BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOI 


ILLUSTRIOUS 


OF TiXS 


FT 

MEADE 


General George 



4E 

397 


LATE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED 
OF AMERICA, 


Copy 1 


Commander in Chief of their armies q 
the Revolutionary War. 


BF.niCATF.B TO THK TOtTTEt. OF AMERICA 



NEW- YORK : 

^UBLtSHET) BY EVERT DUYCKINCK 

No. 102 Pearl-Strrct. 

J , C, Totten, printer 

3 8 1 {). 


# 



BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS, 


OP 

General George W asliington. 


I N the history of Man, we contemplate with parti* 
cular satisfaction, those legislators, heroes, and 
philosophers, whose wisdom, valour, and virtue have 
contributed to the happiness of the human species. 
We trace the luminous progress of those excellent 
beings with secret complacency ; our emulation is 
roused, while we behold them steadily pursue the 
pMh of rectitude, in defiance of every obstruction i 
we rejoice that we are of the same species, and 
thus, Self-love becomes the hand-maid of Virtue. 

The authentic pages of biography unite the most 
grateful amusement with instruction. Truth supports 
the dignity of the Historic Muse, who will not admit 
of either fulsome panegyric, or invidious censure. — 
She describes her hero with genuine simplicity — 
mentions his frailties, his characteristic peculiarities, 
and his shining qualities. In short, she gives a faith- 
ful and lively portrait of the man, investigates the 
latent motives of his actions, and celebrates those 
virtues which have raised him to an enviable pre-emi- 
nence above bis cotemporaries. 

We sympathise in the sufferings, and participate 
the triumphs of those illustrious men who stand 

“ Majestic ’mid the monuments of time 

^and the approbation of excellence in others, na 
' urally leads the mind to imitate the object of its 
adoration. 


LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 


Among those patriots who have a cJaim to our ven- 
eration, George Washington appears in a conspicuous 
place in the first rank. The ancestors of this extra- 
ordinary man, in the year 1657, emigrated from Eng- 
land to America, and settled in the colony of Vir- 
ginia ; here, by unremiting industry they became 
opulent and respectable, and gave their name to the 
parish of Washington, in Westmoreland county— 
George Washington, the hero of the following his- 
tory, was tne fruit of a second marriage, and was 
born in the settlement of Chotank, in the above- 
mentioned county, on the lltii of February, (O.S } 
I733i ' 

. extensive settlement of Chotank was origin- 
ally purchased by the Washington family ; the ex- 
treme fertility ot the soil induced those settlers to 
cultivate tobacco in several plantations ; for this pur- 
pose they purchased a number of negro slaves, and 
consequently population was rapidly increased— 
At the time our hero was born, all the planters 
throughout this extensive settlement were his rela- 
tions hence, his youthful years glided away in all 
the pleasing gaity of social friendship. He received 
a private education, and was initiated in the elements 
of Religion, Morality, and Science by a private tutor ; 
and, fr<m the tenor of his actions it is manifest, that 
uncommon pains were taken to cherish the best pro- 
pensities of human nature in his heart: 


In the 10th year of his age, he had the misfortune 
to lose an excellent father, who died in 1742, and the 
patrimonial estate devolved to an elder brother — 
Tins young gentleman had been an officer, in the 
Colonial troops sent in the expedition against Car- 
thagena. On his return he called the family mansion 
Mount \crnon, in honour of the British Admiral, 
and destined his brother George* to serve in the navy. 

Accordingly, in his 15th year, our hero was entered 
as a midshipman, on board a British frigate, station- 
ed on the coast of Virginia. He prepared to embark, 
with all the alacrity of youth ; but his nautical ca- 


LIFE OF WASHINGTON. * 

?eer was stopped by the interposition of maternal 
Jove, Ever obedient to an affectionate mother, young 
Washington relinquished his desire of going- to sea ; 
the energies of his mind were to be exerted on a more 
stable element. 

As his patrimonial estate was by no means consid- 
erable, his youth was employed in useful industry; 
and in the practice of his profession a;> a surveyor, he 
had an opportunity of acquiring that information re • 
specting vacant lands, and of forming those opinions 
concerning their future value, which, afterwards, 
greatly contributed to the increase of his private for- 
tune. 

The first proof that he gave of his propensity to 
arms was in the year 1751, when the office of Adjutant- 
General of the Virginia militia became vacant by the 
death of his brother, apd Mount Vernon, together with 
a large estate, came into his possession. At this 
time, the extensive population of the colony made 
it expedient to form the militia corps into three divi- 
sions, and Washington, in his 20th year, was appoint- 
ed Major. lie attended to his duty as an officer, with 
exemplary propriety and vigilance— was indefatiga- 
ble in the discipline of the troops — and generally be- 
loved, both by his brother officers and the private 
men, fop his mildness and generosity. 

In the year 1753, the incroachments of the French 
upon the western boundaries of the British Colonies 
excited a general alarm in Virginia, insomuch that 
Governor Dinwiddi deputed Washington to ascertain 
the, truth of those rumours . he was also empowered 
to enter into a treaty with the Indians, and remon- 
strate with the French upon their proceedings. On 
his arrivaFat the back settlements, he found the Col- 
onists in a very unpleasant situation, from the depre- 
dations of the Indians, who were incessantly instigat- 
ed by the French to the commission of new aggres- 
sions- He found that the French themselves had also 
committed several outrages against the defenceless 
settlers ; nav, that tliev had proceeded so far as to cs- 

a 2 m • 


6 LIFE OF WASHINGTON'* 

tablish posts within the boundaries of Virginia. - 
'Washington strongly remonstrated against those acts 
ofhostility, and warned the French to desist from the 
incursions. On his return, his report to the Governor 
Was published, and it evinced that he performed this 
honourable mission with great prudence. 

The repeated inroads of the French and Indians 
on the frontiers of Virginia, made it necessary to en- 
crease the military establishment ; and early in the 
spring of 1754, anew regiment was raised, of which 
Professor Fry, of the college was appointed colonel, 
and Washington lieutenant colonel. Mr. Fry died 
soon after the regiment was embodied, and was suc- 
ceeded by our hero, who paid unremitting attention to 
the discipline of this new corps. He established 
magazines of provision and ammunition, and opened 
the roads to the frontiers, in order to pre-occupy an 
important post at the confluence of the Monongahela 
and Alleghany rivers. His regiment was to have been 
reinforced by a detachment from the southern colo- 
nies, and a corps of provincials from North Carolina 
and Maryland : but impelled by the urgency of the 
occasion, he advanced without the expected succours 
in the monih of May. The troops proceeded by 
forced marches towards the defile, and their com- 
mander dispatched two scouts to reconnoitre; but 
though his rapid march was facilitated by the fine 
Weather, yet when he ascended the Lauril Hills, fif- 
ty miles distant from the place of destination, he 
Was met by his scouts who returned with intelli- 
gence, that the enemy were in possession of the post, 
had built a fort, and stationed a.large garrison there. 

Washington now held a council of wan- with the 
other officers, but while they were deliberating a de- 
tach.mcnt v of the French came in sight, and obliged 
them to retreat to a savanna called the Green Mea- 
dows. 

The fortitude of Washington was put to a severe 
tesx. on this occasion, he retired with the troops to an 
eminence in ths feyanna, and about noon began to 


• LIFE OP WASfllKGl’O^, . 7 . 

e rect a small fortification. He called Ins temporary 
defence Fort Necessity, and encouraged the regiment 
both by his voice and example, to raise a redoubt, oit 
Which they planted two field pieces. They surround- 
ed the camp with an entrenchment, in which they toil- 
ed with unremitting exertions during the subsequent 
night. Thus fortified* they prepared to resist the 
meditated attack of the enemy ; and about sun-rise, 
on the following morning, Were joined by Captain 
M'Kay, with a company of regulars. The little army 
now amounted to about 400 men. On the approach o£ 
the advanced guard of the French, the Americans 
sallied forth, attacked and defeated them; but the 
main body of the enemy, amounting to 1500 men* 
compelled them to retire to the intrenchments. The 
camp wa$ now closely invested, and the Americans 
suffered severely from the grape shot of the enemy* 
and the Indian riflemen. Washington however, de- 
fended the works with such skill and bravery, that 
the besiegers were unable to force the intrenchments. 
At length after a conflict often hours, in which 150 
of the Americans were killed and wounded, they were 
obliged to capitulate. They were permitted to mardk 
out with the honours of war, and lay down their arras 
in front of the French lines ; but they were after- 
wards plundered by the hostile Indians, during their 
return to Virginia. 

This defeat excited a strong emotion of sorrow in 
the breasts of their countrymen; and though several 
persons censured the, precipitance of Washington in 
this affair, yet the general cc * iction of his integrity 
prevented those murmurs from doing him any injury. 
Indeed hjs conduct was lu£>le to' censure ; he ought, 
to have waited for the necessary reinforcements, a 
junction with whom would probably have crowned his 
enterprize with success. His inexperience and the 
active ardor of his youthful mind, may afford some 
palliation of his imprudence ; but his rashness in this 
instance was so different from liis subsequent pru- 
dence, that probably this inauspicious commencement 


a LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 


of Ms military career, was the origin of the circum* 
spection and vigilance which afterwards marked his 
conduct in a successful defensive war. 

Let us for a moment enquire into the cause of these 
unprovoked hostilities of the French against the Bri- 
t^sh colonies. As France, for many centuries had 
been the professed rival of England she beheld the 
rapid prosperity of these colonies, and the consequent 
aggrandizement of the mother country, with envious 
apprehension. The French government had made set. 
tlements in North America, and divided this vast 
continent into two provinces ; the northern was cal- 
led Canada, and the southern Louisiana,. But as the 
piincipal part of this territory was comparatively 
barren and uncultivated, the French formed the am- 
bitious project of obtaining possession of the British 
settlements by force. For this purpose the£ erected 
a chain of fqrts which extended throughout an im- 
mense tract of country. These fortifications wero 
garrisoned by troops, well supplied by military 
stores ; but the circumjacent regions were totally im- 
inhabited, except by hunting parties of the wander, 
mg Indians. 


The French engaged these savages in their interest, 
by supplying them with arms and ammunition in ex- 
change for rich furs. Thus they obtained the alliance 
of a formidable and enterprizing race, who naturally 
hated the British colonists, whom they considered as 
the original invaders of their country. 

In the summer of 1754, the French having built 
several forts within th ^Voundaries of the British set- 
tlements, an army of veterans was sent from France to 
support those unjustifiable encroachments. We have 
already mentioned their victory over the troops com- 
manded by VY ashmgto'n, and that they had erected a 
fort at an advantageous post, which it had been his 
^termination to secure. They named this fortress 
Pu Quesne m winch they stationed a strong garrison 
well provided with military stores. Those hostile 
measures on the part of France, excited the indign.v 


t.lFE Of 1 WASHINGTON. « 

lion of tine English government-, and orders were issu- 
ed to make general reprisals in Europe and America. 

In the year 1755, General Craddock was sent Vo 
America, at the Iread of two veteran regiments from 
Ireland, to reduce the forts on the Ohio. On his ar- 
rival, he was joined by the independent and provin- 
cial corps of A merica : but when the army was ready 
to march against the enemy, the want of waggons for 
the conveyance of stores, had almost proved an insur- 
mountable obstacle to the expedition. In this emer- 
gency a, patriotic American stepped forward and re- 
moved the difficulty; this was the celebrated Ben- 
jamin Franklin, whose extraordinary talents had al- 
ready contributed to the diffusion of knowledge and 
happiness. This benign philosopher exerted his in- 
fluence so effectually with his countrymen, that in a 
short time he collected 150 waggons, which proved 
an ample supply for the army. 

As in consequence of a military regulation, ft no 
officer Who did not derive his commission ffrom the 
King could command one who did.” Washington 
resigned ; but strongly attached to a military life, and 
emulous to defend his country with distinguished 
seal, he voluntarily served under General Bradtlock 
as an extra aid-de-camp. That General marched 
against Fort Du Quesne ; but soon after he crossed 
the river Monongahela, the van division of his army 
was attacked by an ambuscade of French and Indians, 
and totally defeated. The thickness of the wood:? 
prevented both the European and provincial troops 
from being able to defend themselves with effect ; 
they could neither keep their ranks, nor charge the 
enemy with the bayonet, while the Indians who were 
expert at bush -fighting’, and were widely scattered) 
fired at them in all directions from behind the trees, 
where they were concealed from their foes, and took 
a ffital aim. Washington had cautioned General 
Braddock in vain ; his ardent desire of conquest 
made him deaf to the voice of prudence ; he saw his 
-error when too late, and bravely perished in his en . 


10 LIFE OF WASHINGTON 1 . 

cleavours to save the division from destruction. The. 
gallant but unfortunate general had four horses shot: 
from under him before he was slain, and almost every 
officer whose duty obliged him to be on horseback, 
was either killed or wounded, except Washington — 
Amid the carnage, the presence of mind, and abili- 
ties of our hero, were conspicuous ; he rallied tne 
troops, and. at the head of a corps of grenadiers, cov- 
ered the rear of tfie division, and secured their re- 
treat over the ford of Monongahela 

Anxious for the preservation of the troops, and un- 
mindful of the fatigues he had undergone, during a 
sultry day, in which he had scarcely a moment of rest, 
he hastened to concert measures with Colonel Dun- 
bar, who commanded the rear division, which had not 
been engaged. Neither the wilderness through 
which he was obliged to pass, the innumerable dan- 
gers that surrounded him in his progress, nor his ex- 
hausted state could prevent him from pursuing the 
line of his duty. He travelled during the night ac- 
companied by two guides, and reached the British 
camp in safety. Thus his perseverance and wisdom 
saved the residue of the troops. Colonel Dunbar now 
assumed the chief command ; and with considerable 
difficulty effecte*l a retreat, but was obliged to des- 
troy his baggage to prevent it from falling into the 
hands of the enemy. Washington received d^ie most 
flattering marks of public approbation ; but his best 
reward was the consciousness of his own integrity. 

S°°n after this transaction, the regulation of rank, 
which had justly been considered as a grievance by 
the colonial officers, was changed in consequence of 
a spirited remonstrance of Washington : and the Gov- 
ernor of Virginia rewarded this brave officer with the 
command of all the troops of that colony. The natu- 
ral energy of his mind was now called into action; 
and his thoughts were continually employed in form- 
mg new plans for the protection of the frontiers. 

He may form some idea ol his increasing populari- 
ty, and the high estimation, in which he was held by 


LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 11 

Ills countrymen, from the following- curious predic- 
tion. It Was published in the notes of a sermon 
preached by the Rev. Samuel Davies, on the 17th of 
August, 1755, to Captain Overton’s independent com- 
pany of Volunteers, raised in Hanover 1 county, Vir- 
ginia. “ As a remarkable instance of patriotism, I 
may point out that heroic youth, Colorlel Washington, 
whom I cannot but hope Providence has hitherto pre- 
served in so signal a manner, for some important ser- 
vice to his country.*’ What renders this prophecy the 
more worthy of notice, is its having been delivered 
twenty years prior to the commencement of the war, 
Which terminated in American Independence. 

In the year 1758, Washington commanded the van bri- 
gade of the army under Gen. Forbes, and distinguish- 
ed himself by the capture of Fort Du Quesne. Dur- 
ing this successful campaign he acquired a know- 
. ledge of tactics. His frequent skirmishes with the 
French and Indians, in the woody regions along the 
frontiers taught him vigilance and circumspection* 
and roused that spirit of enterprize, which is ever 
ready to seize the crisis that leads to victory. The 
troops under his command were gradually inured in 
that most difficult kind of warfare called bush-fight- 
ing, while the activity of the French, and ferocity of 
the Indians were overcome by his superior valour.— 1 - 
After the enemy had been defeated in several battles, 
and compelled to retreat far beyond the Colonial 
boundaries, General Forbes left a sufficient garrison 
in the different forts which he had captured along the 
banks of the Ohio, and returned With the army into 
Winter quarters. 

In the course of this decisive Campaign, which re- 
stored the tranquility and security of the middle 
colonies, Washington had suffered many hardships, 
which impaired his health. He Was afflicted with an 
inveterate pulmonary complaint, and extremely de- 
bilitated, insomuch that in the year 1759 he resigned 
his commission, and retired to Mount Vernon. The 
Virginia line expressed theft high sense of his merit. 


12 


LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 

by an affectionate address on this occasion : and his. 
answer was marked with that modesty and magna- 
nimity, which were the prominent traits of his, mind. 

By a due attention to regimen, in the quiet bowers 
of Mount Vernon, he gradually recovered from his in- 
disposition. But, as during the tedious period of his 
convalescence the British arms had been victorious, 
his country had no more occasion for the exertion of 
his military talents. li\ 1761, he married a voting 
widow, whose maiden name was Dandridge. She was 
descended from a reputable family, and two of her bro- 
thers were officers in the British navy. This lady war, 
the widow of Colonel Custis, who had left her sole 
executrix to his extensive possessions, and guardian 
to Ids two children. The union of Washington with 
this accomplished woman was productive of their 
mutual felicity ; and as he incessantly pursued 
agricultural improvements, his taste embellished and 
enriched the fertile fields around Mount Vernon. — 
Meanwhile he was appointed a magistrate, a member 
of the assembly of the state, and a judge of the court 
These honourable avocations kept' the powers of hi? 
mind in a state of activity ; lie attended to his civil ; 
duties with exemplary propriety, and gave a convinc- 
ing proof, that the simplicity - of the Farmer is homo - I 
geneal with the dignified views of the Senator, 

But the time approached in which Washington ; 
was to relinquish those honourable civil avocations, j 
and one of the most remarkable events recorded in 
history obliged him to act a conspicuous part on the ] 
great theatre or the World. The American Revolu- 
tion originated in the errors of a few British politi- 
cians, and the join t exertions of a number of public 
spirited men among the Colonists, who incited their 
countrymen to resist parliamentary taxation. 

In March, 1764, a bill passed in the British Parlia- 
pient, laying heavy duties on all articles imported 
into the Colonies from the French and other islands 
m the \Vest:I;idies, and ordering these duties 
to be paid in specie into Exchequer of Creat TW 


LIFE OF WASHINGTON. U 

tain. In the same session, another bill was formed,. 

' to restrain the currency of paper-money in the Colo 
nies. 

These acts excited the surprise and displeasure of 
the North-Americans They sent warm and energet- 
ic remonstrances to the mother country, and laid ev- 
ery argument before the Ministry that ingenuity 
could suggest, but in yain. As they had hitherto fur- 
nished their contingent in men and money, by the 
authority of their Representatives in the Colonial As- 
semblies, they asserted that, not being represented in 
.the British Parliament, it could have no right to tax. 
them. Finding, however, that all their arguments 
were ineffectual to remove their grievances, they 
formed associations to prevent the use of British, 
manufactures, till they should obtain redress. 

Tire animosity of the Colonists was farther increas- 
ed, by the advice which they received, that the Brit- 
ish Ministry had it in contemplation to establish 
stamp duties in America, similar to those in Great. 
Britain. 

The General Assembly of Virginia Was the. first 
that openly and formally declared against the right 
of Britain ia lay taxes on America. Of this Assem- 
bly Washington was a member ; lie most zealously 
opposed what lie considered an encroachment on tire 
liberties of his countrymen ? and the example of this 
legislative body was followed by those of the other 
colonies. 

In June, 1^65, the Assembly of Massachusetts, from 
the conviction of the expediency of a Continental 
Congress, passed a resolution in favour of that mea- 
sure, and sent circular letters to the several Assem- 
blies requesting their concurrence.. Accordingly, a 
deputation from ten of the Colonies met at New-York, 
and this was the first Congre% held in North 
America. * 

In consequence of a petition from this Congress ta 
the King and both Houses of Parliament, the stamp, 
act was repealed, to the universal joy of the Colonise, 


14 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 

and the general satisfaction of the English, whosd 
manufactures had suffered a considerable depression^ 
in consequence of the American associations against i 
their importation. 

But, the Parliament, by repealing this obnoxious 
act, did not relinquish the idea of their right to tax 
the Colonies ; and the bill for laying a duty on tea* 
paper, painter’s colours, and glass, was passed, and 
sent to America, in 1768. This act occasioned new 
discontents in the Colonies* especially at Boston; 
and tho’ Parliament thought, proper, in 1770, to take 
off those duties, except Id. a pound on tea, vet even 
this trifling impost kept alive the jealousy of the 
Colonists, who denied the supremacy of the British 
Legislature The troops quartered in Boston was 
another cause of offence to the inhabitants, and, on all 
occasions, they manifested an inclination to quarrel 
wita men whom they considered inimical to their lib- 
erties. 

The animosity of the people of that Colony against 
their governor, Hutchinson, was increased by the dis- 
covery that he had written letters to people in power 
m England, which contained a misrepresentation of 
tne state of public affairs, and recommended coot- 
cive measures, in order to secure the obedience of the 
province. These letters fell into the hands of Dr. 
Franklin, agent of the province, who transmitted 
them to Boston, The Assembly passed a petition to 
his Majesty, by a large majority, in which they de- 
clared their Governor and Lieutenant-Governor, ene- 
mies to the Colonies, and prayed for their dismission 
from office. This petition was not only rejected, but 
declared to be groundless tmd scandalous. 

About this time, Dr. Franklin was dismissed from 
theoffice of Deputy Postmastei'-Ceneral of America, 

winch he held under the Crown. But it was not mere- 
ly by Ins transmission of the letters above-mentioned 
that he had offended the British Ministry ; he had 
Wnl i eI + \ Uvo P|f. ces ir > favour of. America, which ex- 
cited the public attention on both sidesof the Atlam 


LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 

i tic. The one was entitled,- “ An Edict from tlie 

i King of Prussia for taxing- the inhabitants of Great.- 
1 Britain, as descendants of emigrants from his domin- 
ions;” and the other, “ Rules for reducing a great 
Empire to a small one.” These essays were both 
written with his peculiar simplicity of style, and 
; abounded with the most poignant satire. 

The disputes between Great'-Brit&in and her Colo- 
nies had now existed above ten years, with intervals 
of tranquility The reservation of the duty on tea, 
the stationing a standing army in Massachusetts, the 
continuance of a Board of Commissioners in Boston, 
and the appointing the Governors and Judges of the 
province, independent of the people, were the causes 
of that irritation which pervaded all ranks, of the com ; 
inanity. 

In the year 1773, the American controversy was re- 
commenced, in consequence of tea being sent to the 
Colonies by the East-lndia Company. The Americans 
pow perceived that the tax was likely to be enforced, 
and were determined to oppose the revenue system of 
the British Parliament. They considered this at- 
tempt of the East-India Company as an indirect mode 
of taxation, and took measures to prevent the landing 
of the teas.' One universal spirit of opposition ani- 
mated the Colonists from New Hampshire to Georgia. 
The province of Massachusetts distinguished itself 
fry the most violent and decisive proceedings Three 
ships from England laden with tea, lay in the harbour 
of Boston; and the townsmen resolved to destroy it. 
rather than suffer it to be landed. For this purpose 
a number of men disguised like Indians on the »8th 
of Dec. 1773, entered the slaps and threw overboard 
342 chests of tea, being the whole of their cargoes. 

The Ministry now resolved to enforce their author- 
ity, and as Boston had been the principal scene of 
outrage, it was determined to punish that town in ap 
exemplary manner. On the 25th of March, 1774, an 
act was passed called the Boston Port Bill, iC to efis 
continue the landing, and discharging, lading, and 


10 life or Washington - . 

•snipping of goods, wares, and merchandizes at th>S 
iown of Boston, or within the harbour ” 

1 he news of this bill was received by the Boston* 
lans with the most extravagant tokens of resentment, 
and oaring the ferment their new governor. General 
^age, arrived from England. This gentleman had 
een appointed on account of his being an officer of 
reputation, and a man esteemed by the Americans, 
tinong whom he had resided many years- The first 
omcial act of his government was the removal of the 
assembly to Salem, a town seventeen miles distant. 

\ irginia again took the lead in a public avovval of 
As sentiments. The first day of June had been ap- 
pointed for the Boston Port Act to take place, and or* 
that day the General Assembly of Virginia enjoined 
a public supplication to heaven. The style of this 
injunction was remarkable ; the people were directed 
beseech the Deity to give them one heart and one 
mind, firmly to oppose every invasion of the Ameri- 
can Rights.” The Assembly of Virginia recommend- 
ed also to the colonies, to appoint a Congress of Dele- 
gates to deliberate on the critical state of their affaii ' , 
Meanwhile the Bostonians were not inactive. They 
framed an agreement, which they called a solemn 
League and Covenant, by which the subscribers en- 
gaged m the most religious manner, “to discontinue 
all commercial intercourse with Great Britain, after 
the expiration of the month of August, till the late 
-obnoxious acts ware repealed, and the colony re-pos- 
sessed of its charter.” Resolutions of a similar na- 
ture were entered into by the other provinces ; and 
when General Gage attempted to counteract the cov- 
enant by a proclamation, the Americans retorted, by 
insisting, that the law allowed subjects to associate 
m °™er to obtain redress of their grievances 
Li the month °f Se p t . 1774, the General Congress 
of all the Colonies met at Philadelphia. That body 
’consisted of hfty-one delegates, chosen by the repre- 
sentatives of each province. * 

fhe fn st act of the Continental Congress, was their 


LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 17 

I approbation of the conduct of the Bostonians, and an 
exhortation to them to persevere in their opposition 
to government, till the restoration of their •liarter.— 

, { he y avowed their allegiance to his Majesty, and 
drew up a petition, in which they mtreated him to 
grant them peace, liberty, and safety. After several 
resolutions tending to promote unanimity in the pro- 
vinces, and after having’ resolved that another Con 
gress should meet in Philadelphia on the 10th of May 
following, if their grievances should not be redressed, 
they recommended to the people the speedy nomina- 
tion of new delegates, and then separated. 

Meanwhile reinforcements of British troops arrived 
at Boston, which increased the general disaffection 
to such a degree, that the people were ready to rise 
at a moment’s warning. The Colonists now began se 
riously to prepare for war: embodied and trained 
their militia: and to render themselves independent 
of foreigners for the supply of military stores, they 
erected mills and manufactories, for gun-powder, 
both in Philadelphia and Virginia. 

These hostile preparations induced .General Gage 
to fortify the neck of land which joins the town of 
Boston to the continent. But though this measure of 
security was justifiable on the principle of self-de- 
fcncc, the Americans remonstrated against it with 
the greatest vehemence. Instead of paying any at- 
tention to these invectives, the General seized the 
provincial ammunition and military stores at Cam- 
bridge, and Charleston. This act of hostility excited 
the popular rage to such a degree, that it was with 
the utmost difficulty the inhabitants of Massachusetts 
could be restrained from marching to Boston to at- 
tack the troops. 

it was now evident that the ensuing spring would 
be the commencement of a war, of which even the 
most resolute dreaded the consequences. The ut- 
most diligence, however, was used by the colonists to 
be provided against any attack of the British army. 
A list of men able to bear arms Was made out in each 
B 2 


58 LIFE OF WASHINGTON". 

province, and the assemblies were animated with the 
most lively hopes on finding- that two thirds of the 
men who had served in the former were alive, 
and zealous in the cause. 

Washington was among the most active in raising 
troops. His well known intrepidity and generosity 
obtained him a numerous corps of volunteers ; he was 
appointed their commander and soon perfected their 
d iscipline. He had also been elected a delegate from 
Virginia to the General Congress, and exerted all his 
influence to encourage a decisive opposition to Brit- 
ish taxation. 

The awful moment now approached which was to 
involve Great Britain and her colonies in all the hor- 
rors of a civil war. In February, 1 775, the Provincial 
Congress of Massachusetts met at Cambridge. Seve- 
ral military institutions for the protection of the pro- 
vince were enacted; among the remarkable of which 
was the minute-men. A number of the most active 
and expert of the New-Kn gland militia were selected, 
who were obliged to hold themselves in readiness to 
obey the first summons of their oflicers ; and indeed 
their subsequent vigilance and intrepidity,’ fully en- 
titled them to the above-mentioned appellation. 

We pass over the battles of Lexington and Bunker’s' 
hill, and come to the subject of our present memoirs, 
Washington, who was a 'delegate to Congress, from 
Virginia, was by their unanimous vote, appointed 
General in chief of all the American forces. They 
also voted him as ample a salary as was in their powd- 
er to bestow, but he generously declined all pecunia- 
ry emoluments. His reply to the President of Con- 
gress, on his nomination to the supreme command of 
the army, was in the following words : 

“ Mr. President, 

“ Though I am truly sensible of the high honour 
done me in this appointment, yeti feel great distress 
from a consciousness that mv abilities and military 
experience may not be eqytd to life extensive and 


LIFE of WASHING! TON. iq 

in i per taut trust; however as the Congress desire it) 
l will enter upon the momentous duty, and exert eve- 
ry power I possess in their service, and for support of 
ihe glorious cause. I beg- they will accept my most 
cordial thanks for this distinguished testimony of 
•-heir approbation. 

“ But lest some unlucky event should happen un- 
favourable to my reputation — I beg it mav be remem- 
bered by every gentleman in the room, that I this dav 
declare, with the utmost sincerity, Ido not think my, 
sell equal to the 'command I am honoured with. 

As to my pay, l beg leave to , assure t he Congress, 
that, as no pecuniary consideration could have tempt- 
ed me to accept this arduous employment, at the ex- 
pense of my domestic peace and happiness, I do not 
wish to make any profit from it. I will keep an ex- 
act account of my expenses— these, I doubt not, they 
will discharge, and this is all 1 desire.'* 

Ibis speech is a proof of that disinterestedness 
and modesty which were the distinguishing charac- 
teristics of Washington’s mind.. In private life he 
• was hospitable and friendly. These n*>cial virtues* 
together with his tried valour, made him truly esti- 
mable in the eyes of his countrymen. His election 
to the supreme command was attended by no compe- 
tition — every member of congress were convinced of 
his integrity, and chose him as the man best qualified 
to raise their expectations and fix their confidence. 

The ap}>ointment efif Washington was attended with 
other promotions, namely, four major-generals, one 
•adjutant general, and eight brigadieiygenerals. 

On the day following a special commission was 
presented to Washington by Congress. At the same 
time, they resolved unanimously in a full meeting, 

“ That they would maintain and assist him, and ad- 
here to him with their lives and fortunes, in the 
cause of American liberty.” In their instructions, 

I they authorised him “ to order and dispose of the 
army under his command us might be most advanta- 
geous for obtaining the c ml for which it had been 


20 FIFE OF WASHINGTON 

raised, making- it his special care, in discharge of the 
great trust committed to him, that the liberties of 
America received no detriment.” 

Washington’s diffidence on the acceptance of his. 
commission was extremely natural. His comprehend 
sive mind anticipated the numerous difficulties which 
must attend his employment, and he would gladly 
have preferred the pleasures of a rural life to all the 

pride, pomp, and circumstance of a glorious war.” 

His taking the command of the American army was 
therefore a strong exertion of self denial to an unanv 
pitious man, who enjoyed all the real blessings of 
li e in the bosom of independence. Let us, for a mo- 
rnent, turn our attention to his private affairs, and we 
will behold him blest with the rational pleasures of 
a philosophical retirement, with his table overspread 
With plenty, and his pillow smoothed by the hand of 
conjugal love. Could man desire more?— Was not 
this tne summit of human happiness? But now, 
when the voice of his country demands his aid, he 
takes the held, in her defence, with filial attachment. 

In the beginning of July, Washington set out for 
the camp at Cambridge, in order to assume the corn 
ipand of the army. On his way thither, he was treat 
eel with every demonstration of respect, escorted by 
detachments of gentlemen who had formed volunteer 
associations, and honoured with public address 


on the most 



t firm andsolal foundation 


you in the happy 
American liberty 
ns, shall enable up 


LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 21 

lo return to our private stations, in the bosom of a 
free, peaceful, and happy country.” 

On his arrival at the camp, he was received w ith 
the joyful acclamations of the American army. He 
found the British troops entrenched.on Bunker’s-Hill, 
and defended by three floating- batteries in Mystic 
river, w hile the Americans were entrenched on . Win- 
ter-Hill, Prospect-Hill, and Boxbury, witli a commu- 
nication, by r small posts, over an extent of ten miles* 
As the provincial soldiers had repaired to the camp 
in their ordinary clothing, the hunting shirt was 
adopted for the sake of uniformity. Washington 
found a large body of men, indifferently disciplined* 
and but badly provided with arms and ammunition.- 
Besides, they had neither engineers, nor sufficient 
tools for the erection of fortifications. He also found 
uncommon difficulties in the organization of his army. 
Enterprising leaders had distinguished themselves at 
the commencement of hostilities, and their followers* 
from attachment, were not willing to be commanded 
by officers, who, though appointed by Congress, were 
strangers to them. To subject the licentiousness of 
freemen to the control of military discipline, was both 
an arduous and delicate task. However, the genius 
of Washington triumphed over all difficulties. In his 
letter to congress, after lie. had reviewed the troops* 
he say r s, “ I find here excellent materials for an army, 
able-bodied men, of undoubted courage, and zealous 
in the cause. In the same letter, he coniolah-is of the 
want, of ammunition, camp-equipage, and many other- 
requisites of an army. 

Washington, at the head of his troops, published a 
declaration, previously drawn up by Congress, ex- 
pressive of their motives for taking up arms. It .as 
written in energetic language, and contained the fol- 
lowing remarkable passages : 

“ Were it possible for men, who exercise their rea- 
son, to believe that the Divine Author of our exist- 
ence intended apart of the human.race, to hold an ab- 
solute property in, and unbounded power over others* 


22 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 


marked out by his infinite goodness and wisdom as 
uie objects of a legal domination/ never rightfully 
I esistable, however severe and oppressive, the inhab- 
it? of these colonies might, at least, require from 
the Parliament of Great-Britain, some evidence that 
this dreadful authority over them has been granted 
to that body But a reverence for our great Creator, 
principles of humanity, and the dictates of common 
sense, must convince all those who reflect upon the 
subject, that ^government was instituted to promote 
die welfare of mankind, and ought to be administered 
tor the attainment of that end 

- , T J le Le S islat t re of Great-Britain, however stimu- 
lated by an inordinate passion for power not only un- 
justifiable, but which they know to be peculiarly rep- 
robated by the Constitution of that kingdom, and des- 
pairing of success in any mode of contest where re- 
gard should be had to truth, law, 0 r ricrbt, have at 
“ngtft, deserting those, attempted to effect their cru- 
el and impolitic purpose of enslaving these Colonies 
by violence, and have thereby rendered it necessary 
for us to close with their last appeal from Reason to 
Arms.^ \et, however blinded that assembly mav be, 
by their intemperate rage for unlimited domination, so 
to slight justice and the opinion of mankind, we es- 
teem ourselves bound by obligations of rpspect.to the- 
re st of the world, to make known the justice of our 
cause 

This bold and explicit manifesto was dated at Putl- 
IohfH a ’ tl:e , 6tl ' of J , ul .V. 'W and subscribed by 

Thom"r“t;tr;r ,dent of Consress ’ andchari ^ 

A general spirit of unanimity pervaded the colonies 
thls period. Vlen of all ranks and acres 

were animated with martial ardour, even religious 

Several CCS Wei * e over £ ome b >' Patriotic enthusiasm— 
til l F° Ung mCn ° f the Qu;ikei * Persuasion joined 
military 4sspcmti°n, and the number of men m 

NotwU°! U ? hp !r the f oIonies Was very considerable.^ 
Notwithstanding these warlike preparations, thfc 


Life of Washington, 


t 

t; 

d 

a 


Americans unanimously protested that they took up 
farms only to obtain a redress of grievances ; and that 
a separation from the parent state was an object for- 
eign to their wishes. the rancour, however, that ac- 
companies a civil war, was productive of mutual re- 
proaches, and the slightest proof often was keenly felt 
as, proceeding from those who were once friends. 

An instance of this nature happened at Poston s 
while invested by the provincial army, and produced 
the memorable correspondence between the respective 
commanders. The last letter, written by General 
Washington to General Gage, exhibited a lively por- 
trait of his character and principles, as well as 
those of his countrymen — It contained the following 
striking passages : 


“ Whether British or American mercy, fortitude 
and patience, are most pre-eminent ; whether our vir- 
tuous citizens* whom the hand of tyranny has forced 
into arms to defend their property and freedom, or 
the mercenary and lawless instruments of domination, 
avarice, revenge, bes< deserve the 'appellation of re- 
bels, and the punishment of that cord which your 
affected clemency has fbreborne to inflict . whether 
the authority under which I act, is usurped, or found- 
ed upon the principles of liberty ; such considerations 
ere altogether foreign to the subject of our corres- 
pondence— I purposely avoid all political disquisition ; 
nor shall I avail myself of those advantages,, which 
the sacred cause of my country, of liberty and human 
nature give me over you ; much less shall I stoop to 
retort any invective. 

“ You affect, Sir, to despise all rank not derived 
from the same source with your own I cannot con- 
ceive one more honourable than that which flows 
from the uncorrupted choice of a brave and free Peo- 
ple, le purest source and original fountain of all 
power. Far from thinking it a plea for cruelty, a 
mind of true magnanimity, and enlarged ideas, would 
comprehend and respect it.” 

This celebrated letter was by the Americans repre 


24 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 


senterf as the most perfect model of the style becom 
yng the Commander in Chief, and the occasion tr 
whjcli it was adapted; nay, it was commended in dif 
Went parts of Europe, and even in England, as the 
most proper answer he could make. 

In September, General Gage sailed for England - 
and the command .of yhe British armv devolved on 
General Howe. 

Me * n while, the army under Washington continued 
. e blockade of Boston so closely, as to prevent all 
3 ntercourse between that town and country The pro 
vindalforce was formed into three grand divisions, 
ot which General Ward commanded the right wing 
General ^e the left, the centre was commanded by 
Washington The army was arranged by General 
Gates, by whose exertions military discipline was 
gradually and successfully introduced : the officers 
;mcl privates were taught the necessity of a due sub- 
ordination, and became expert in the different ma- 
noeuvres that constitute the regularity of an army 
One insuperable obstacle to the provincial army’s 
arriving at perfect discipline was the shortness' of 
the time lor which the men had been enlisted. It 
had been limited to six months, and no part of the 
troops were engaged longer than the 1st. of January, 
To prevent the English general from taking 
advantage of this circumstance, Washington was ob- 
liged occasionally to call in the militia when the dis 

i]?nun d K men left 1 th J S‘ ara P 5 m order that the works 
should be properly defended. 

the 1 Sh h 4u b ? ei ^ tuken b y Colonel Arnold or 

1°} fM g V - 1 i ls mi Portant fortress is situated 
on a promontory, formed at the junction of Lake 
George and Lake Champlain, and consequently it is 
the key of communication between New- York and 
Canada. Arnold, flushed with success, wrote a letter 
to Congress, m which he offered to reduce the whole 
province of Canada with 2000 men. From the impet- 
uosity of his disposition, lie advised the adoption of 
** offensive war, but as Congress did not wish te. 


LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 25 

W idcn the breach between Great-Britain and the Colo- 
'1 >5 1CS > find an accommodation was their wish, they de- 
" ferred tlie invasion of Canada. 

e | - Sir Guy Carleton, the governor of that province, 
planned a scheme for the recovery of Ticonderoga 
and Crown Point, another fort taken by the Ameri- 

n f ans - had been invested with full powers to em- 
body the Canadians, and march them against the ene- 
j ™y ' however they were very unwilling to engage in 
11 - tfie contest, but he hoped on the arrival of reinforce- 
ments, to compel them to act. Meanwhile he had 
. collected a numerous bodv of Indians; his troops, 
'■ though few, were well disciplined, and the United 
y .Colonies had reason to dread a man of his intrepidity 
and abilities. 

* When Congress were informed of these exertions in 
Canada, they thought it expedient to make a vigor- 
ous attack upon that province, in order to prevent the 
invasion of their north-western frontier In conse- 
quence of this determination, an army pf 3000 men un- 

- tier the commands of Generals Schuyler and Mont- 
p>mery, were sent to effect the conquest of Canada. — 

* They proceeded to Lake Champlain, and thence by 
water to St. JbhiTs the first British post in Can- 
ada. The Americans landed and besieged the 
fortress, which was bravely defended by the gar- 
rison under Major Preston.’ Illness obliged Gen- 
eral Schuyler tq retire to Albany, and the sole 
command of the troops devolved on Montgomery, who 
prosecuted the siege w T ith such vigour, that in a few 
days he became master of the place. After the re- 

i fluction of St John’s, Montgomery advanced to Mon- 
e treal with his victorious army. On his approach to 
' that town, the few British forces which composed the 
i garrison, repaired for safety on board the shipping, in 
i hopes of escaping down the river, but they were pre- 
vented by a body of continental troops under the com- 

* mand of Colonel Easton, who was stationed at the 
point of Sorel river. General Prescot, with several 
officers, and 220 privates surrendered themselves 


'215 


LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 

prisoners on terms of capitulation ; and the America* 
General, after leaving' a garrison in Montreal, advan 
ced with a rapid anarch towards the capital of Canada 
While Montgomery was thus pursuing the careei 
of victory, <the province of Canada was invaded in 
another quarter by an enemy no less enterprising and 
intrepid than himself. A detachment of 1000 men 
was sent by General Washington, from the American 
army at Cambridge. This expedition was conducted 
by Colonel Arnold, who led his troops by an unex- 
plored route through the wilderness. The difficulties 
encountered by this detachment during thirty-one 
days, were almost insurmountable. They proceeded 
in boats by the river Kennebeck, and were obliged to 
work upwards against its impetuous current. After 
suffering various hardships, and losing above one 
third of his men, by sickness and desertion. Colonel 
Arnold arrived at the inhabited part of Canada, after 
a march of six weeks. 

The appearance of Colonel Arnold before Quebec! 
threw the inhabitants into the greatest consternation ; 
but, as in his, march it had been impossible to bring 
any cannon, he could only seize the avenues that led; 
to the city, in order to cutoff supplies and provisions, 
and await the arrival of the troops under Mont- 
gomery. 

On ihe 5th of December, 1775, Montgomery arrived 
insight of Quebec. He summoned it in due form, 
but the garrison fired at his flag of truce, and refused 
to admit his message. As the depth of winter ap- 
proached, he was convinced of the necessity of either < 
raising the seige, or taking the city by escalade. 

General Carleton made such exertions as evinced 
the most determined resistance, and his example ani- ! 
mated the courage of the garrison. The town was 
remarkably strong, both by nature and art, and the i 
number of the besiegers was inconsiderable ; besides I 
the vigilance of the Governor was such, that every 1 
part was guarded with the greatest circumspection. 

Montgomery, on the other hand, possessed all those 




27 


LIFE OF WASHINGTON, 

romantic .ideas of military glory which prevailed in. 
the days of chivalry ; and this love of enterprise was. 
hherishedby an intrepidity which made him overlook 
all perils ; he was conscious i hat his troops would 
follow with alacrity wherever he should lead, and he 
^ determined to take the city by storm, or perish in the 
1U I at tempt. 

On the 3 1st. of December, 1775, he advanced to the. 
attack by break of day. In order ta incite emulation 
among the Provincial troops, there weye two attacks, 
one by the Ncw-England men, headed by Arnold, and 
the pi her by the. New- York men, whom the General 
led in person. 

The way through which Montgomery and his party 
Had to pass was narrow, and as he knew the most des- 
perate exertions of valour would be required, be had 
Selected a number of his most resolute men for this 
enterprizc,. He advanced amid a heavy shower of' 
snow, and having seized the first barrier, he rushed 
forward at the head of his party, and hastened t©. 
close in upon the enemy. The second barrier, which 
led directly to the gates of the lower town, was de- 
fended by a strong body of the garrison, who were 
posted there with several pieces of cannon ready load- 
ed — Montgomery advanced with a rapid movement, 
and was received with a volley of musketry and 
grape-shot, that in an instant killed and w r ounded al- 
most the whole of his party. He fell himself, with 
Ids principal officers, rim troops were so disconcert- 
ed by the loss of their General, that they retreated.— 
fn the mean time, colonel Arnold was engaged in a 
furious nssaul on the opposite side of the town. He 
attacked and carried a barrier defended with cannon, 
blit this success was attended with a great loss of 
men, and he received a wound himself, w hich made it 
necessary to carry him off the field of battle. The of- 
ficers on whom the command devolved continued the 
assault, and took possession of another barrier; but, 
the besieged, who now r perceived the inconsiderable 
gunyber of the assailants, sallied from a gate th&ft 


23 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 

opened towards their rear, and attacked them ih tore 
l he I rovincials were now hemmed in from all possi- 
bility of a retreat, and exposed to a tremendous lire 
from the walls ; yet, in tins dreadful situation, they 
mamtamed the contest three hours before they surren- 

. Though this expedition had failed in the great ob- 
ject, yet it effectually prevented any invasion from 
that quarter, a mrcumstance that had been apprehend- 
exa by Congress, l 

The southern provinces now became involved in the 
contt st, especially Virginia, where the disputes of the 
governor, Lord Dunmore, with the Assembly, after re- 
^|ted aggrawatmns on both sides, terminated in open 

W t eS 'i He , had re . tired Williamsburg to 

Konolk, where he was joined by a considerable nurn- 
ber of loyalists ; but, after several skirmishes, he was 
obliged to retire to the shipping that lay in the river 
adjacent to the town. As it wasnow in tl L posses® 
° Amencans, they not only refused to supply th* 
people on board with provisions, but annoyed them bV 
a number of riflemen, who were place<l inhouses near 
the ships, and who inhumanly aimed at, and killed 
several persons on board. Exasperated at their con- i 
duct, Lord Dunmore ordered a party to land under 
° f a man oi Wai ‘, mid set fire to the town. T, t U3 ! 
Norfolk was reduced to ashes, and the loss was esti 
mated at o 00, 000/. 

vnui 11 '! 1 m e , t he Governors of the two Carolina.? were 
expelled by the people, and obliged to take refuse or 
board the British men of war. oi 

Thus at the conclusion of the vear 1775 the whnlr 
of the British Colonies, d.eept'the town of Bo “ 
were united against the mother-country. 

bloc e'whth^h! 18 at , UOSl ° n W a *&ous 

Diockacit. with their characteristic fortitude -M! 

tlTSIJS 1 ' su7 !'V he C0U -'‘'- V ' Vas prevented, ami 
inf f s Uttered many inconveniences from th ■ 
^ant of ^ecessanes. They felt the severities of a 
'* a cam paign m a rigorous climate, especially 


20 


LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 

those who were stationed at Bunker’s -Hill, where they 
L lay exposed to winds and snows almost intolerable to 
u British constitution. 

re The Provincials, in the mean time, were well sup- 
C J plied with necessaries, in their encampment before 
1 Boston. Here Washington presided, and'by bis pru- 
dent regulations! the troops had all the comforts of 
good tents, bedding, and fresh provision^. 

B An intense frost usually begins throughout New- 
England about the latter end of December, when the 
harbour of Boston, and all the riters in the environs- 
; of that town, are generally frozen to a depth of ice 
:e sufficient}' ;to bear a great \y.eight Washington pro- 
s' posed to take possession not only of the town, but also 
il to take or destroy all the shipping in the harbour, 
o and by this decisive en'terprize, put a conclusion to 
l* all the hopes of Great Britain in tlvis quarter. His 
5 troops were eager to distinguish themselves by this 
J achievement, and, if requisite, a greater force could 
soon be collected to second their efforts. 'I his vyn- 
ter, however, was unusually mild, and, by preventing 
the operation of the Throvincials, both, they and the 
garrison were obliged to remain inactive. 

In the mean time, Mr Pegn, who had brought over 
the last petition from Congress, was examined at the 
bar of the House of Lords. This gentleman had been 
Governor of Pennsylvania, he was personally acquaint- 
ed with most of the members of Congress, and was 
qualified to give the most authentic information re- 
specting the temper and inclinations of the Ameri- 
cans. ’it appeared from his testimonies, that the 
charge of aiming* at Independence, which vas imputed 
to Congress, was unfounded. They had been fairly 
elected, were men, of character and abilities, the Col-, 
cnies had tlie highest confidence in their integrity, 
and were governed by their decisions. 

Prom his account, it appeared that Pennsylvania, 
alone, was able to raise 60,000 men, 20,000 of whom 
had already enrolled themselves to serve without pay, 
*?nd Ti 'we armed and embodied before his departure* 

■ G .2 • 


3u LIFE OP WASHINGTON'. 

t r ™e m Colo,,v° n f "m' Be K id °’ ‘ he} ' llad - in „i 

the Colony of Massachusetts, instituted a corps o* 

minute-men, amounting to 5000. 1 

After a tedious debate in both Houses of Parliament 

the petition* of Congress was rejected, all attempts to 

- n l lhatl 5 U WCre l sus i >ended > the standard of defi- 
ance seemed now to be raised, and both parties an 
peared determined to make the last appeal to ams?’ 
^ \\hen tlie news of this rejection of the American 
petition, reached the camp before Boston, the troons 
expressed the greatest indignation. As Georgia had 

ass as » V * sara 

lifii p=is : 

tnrl- w 1 f t le t«wn, and bombarded it.-»This at 
Wdmeni witi, Ihe pe^sMbrtitude; lUtoed'fouV i 

SSffai-KK.S | 


Life of Washington, sj 

fit \vniks ; and so eager were the people in the prosecu- 
j: lion of this business* that every effective man in the? 

town, without distinction, devoted two days of the 
t, Week to its completion. 

te As Washington was unbertain of the destination of 
8- the British fleet and army which had left Boston, and 
)• cts New-Yoi-k lay exposed to any sudden attack, he de- 
tached several of his best regiments, under General 
n Lee, for the defence of that city, 
is Mean while, a small fleet, under the corhmand of 
d Sir Peter Parker, and a body of troops undyr Geherals 
d Cornwallis, Clinton, and Vaughan, sailed for Charles- 
!, ton, the capital of South-Carolina. After a violent* 
if but unsuccessful attack, in which the fleet received 
considerable damage, the expedition Was abandoned, 
On the 4th of July, 1776, the Representatives of thei 
e United States of America, in Congress assembled* 
formally renounced all connection with Great Jjritaiii* 
and declared tliemselves independent. They also pub- 
lished a manifesto, stating a list of grievances, which* 
notwithstanding their repeated petitions, remain- 
i ed unredressed. For these reasons, they determined 
on a final separation, from the Mother-country, and to 
hold the people of Great Britain as the rest of man - 
kind, “enemies in war, in peace friends.” This cel- 
ebrated declaration of the Independence concluded 
as follows : 

“ WE, the Representatives of the United. States bf 
America, in general Congress assembled, appealing 
to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude 
bf our intentions, do, in the name, and by the authtiri- 
ty of the good people of the Colonies, solemnly pub- 
lish and declare, that the United Colonies are* and of 
right ought to be. Free, and Independent States, and 
that they are absolved from all allegianbe to the Brit- 
ish Crown, and that all political connection between 
them and the State of Great Britain is, and might to 
be, totally dissolved; and that, as Frefc and Inde* 
penderlt States, they have full power to tnakb War,, 
conclude peace, contract MUsrstes, establish- 


& . LIFE OF WASHINGTON 

rnerce, and to do all other acts and thing's which Inch?- 
pendent States may of right do. And for the support 
of’lhis Declaration, with a firm reliance on the pro 
tection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to 
•each other, our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred 
honour.” 


This formal renunciation of allegiance to Great I 
Britain, was followed by the greatest preparations 
for war throughout the United States. 

Washington took every precaution for defensive 
Operations, bv erecting forts, and stationing troops at 
the most vulnerable points.. The nature of the coun- 
try was peculiarly favourable to defence. New-Eng- 
l:md, especially, presented many natural barriers, 
consisting of hills and mountains intersected byriv-. 
ers, and interspersed with woods and precipices — sev- 
eral defiles, skirted by impenetrable forests— while 
majestic rivers, flowing with impetuous currents, 
seemed to preclude the invader. 


General Howe resolved to quit Halifax, and proceed 
to Ncw-York, where he intended to wait for the rein- 
forcements from England. He sailed about the raid- 

« j° TT Un t’ and at enc * ^ le iponth arrived at 
oandy-Hook, a point of land which stands at the ent- 
rance or a large body of water, formed by the conflu- 
.several rivers, and which is surrounded by 
New-York, Staten, and Long-Island. 

About the middle of July, Lord Howe arrived with 
J T' e1 army from England. He sent a circular 
letter, to the Governors who had he. n displaced by 
their respective provinces, in which lie explained 
that he was empowered, in conjunction with his bro- 
ther, to gram general or particular pardons to all 
those who. were willing to return to their allegiance 
to the king of Great Britain. Congress ordered this 

*wTi t0 be P i Ub l i Sh /‘ d in a11 the newspapers, in order 
t-hat the people of America. might know the terms on 
which they were to act, viz either unconditional sub- 
mission, or a bold and manly resistance to despotic 
yoxyer ; and that those who relied on the justice and 


LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 3& 

moderation of the British Ministry, might be fully 
jfcon'vihcedj that they hmst trust to their own valour 
for the preservation of their liberties. 

Lord Howe next sent a letter to the American com* 
rounder in chief, but as it Was directed to “ George 
Washington, Esq.” the General refused to receive it. 
as not directed to him agreeably to his station. His 
conduct, on this occasion, received the unanimous ap- 
probation of Congress. 

To obviate this difficulty, Adjutant-Gehetal Pater- 
son was sent by General Howe with a letter directed 
to “ George Washington, Sec &c. &c.” He was po- 
litely received, and immediately admitted to the pre- 
sence of the American Generali The Adjutant ex- 
pressed much concern on account of the difficulties 
that had arisen from the superscription oF the former 
letter, and hoped that the ct teteras would remove all. 
obstruction to an intercourse between the Commis- 
sioners and General Washington. To this he replied* 
that a letter written tc* a person invested With a pub- 
lic character should spefcify it, otherwise it could not 
he distinguished from a letter on private business ; 
true it was, the e# ceteras implied evex*y thing, but it 
Was no less true, that they implied any thing.** 

The most interesting part of the conversation Wasi 
that respecting the power of the Commissioners, 
wnom the Adjutant said, Were ready to exert them- 
selves to the utmost to effect a reconciliation: The 
General replied, that it did not appear that these pow- 
ers consisted in any more than granting pardons ; but 
hs America had committed no offence, she asked no 
forgiveness, and was only defending her unquestionaj 
ble rights. 

From this conference, it was evident* that nothing 
but a derided superiority in the field could induce the 
Americans to relax the resolutions which they had 
taken with so much deliberation and solemnity. 

The firmness of Congress had inspired the proving 
cials with enthusiasm. That resolute body had de*> 
ck-red America independent in "the very face of thij 


34 LIFE OF WASHINGTON". 

British fleet and array, while the first was casting 
anchor h> sight of New- York, and the reinforcements 
irom England were making the second landing on. 
Staten-Island. 

An attack upon Long,Tsland being determined on 
by the British commanders, the fleet covered the de- 
scent of the army, which effected a landing without 
nny opposition, on the 22d of August, 1776. One-rat 
Putnam, with a large body of troops, lay encamped 
and strongly fortified, on a northern peninsula on the 
opposite shore with a range of hills between the 
armies, the principal pass of which was at a villure 
called Flat blush. ■*> 

Large detachments of the American army occupied 
the lulls and passes The right of the British army 
>vas commanded by General Clinton, Lord Percv and 
Lord Cornwallis- ; the centre, composed of Hessians, 
tmder General He.ster was posted at Flat blush : 
and the left under General Grant, was stationed 
near toe sea shore 

Uarly in the morning of the 27th, the engagement 
Was begun by the Hessians, and a heavy fire of cannon 
and musquetrv was continued on both 'sides for seve- 
ral hours. One of the passes which lay at a distance ' 
Lad been neglected by the Americans, which gave an 
opportunity to the right division of the British army 
to pass the hills, and attack them in the rear. 

I he Americans; when apprized of their danger re-* 
treated towards their camp, but. they were intercept- 
ed and driven hack into the woods. Here the> were 
met by the Hessians, and thus exposed to the fire of 
two parties. No way of escape now remained, but by 
forcing their way through the ranks of the cnem/ 
and thus regaining their camp. This numbers of 
them effected, but by flu- the greater part were either 
killed or taken prisones. 

Tlp “S ,0n h ‘ ul Crossed P vev frorn New.York in the 
_ eiglit of the engagement, but he came too late to iV- 
t ieve the fortune of the day. He had the mortifica- 
tion to see some of his best troops killed or taken. 


Life of Washington. U 

'without being 1 able to afford them any assistance, but 
jhc used his utmost exertions to save those that re- 
mained by a well conducted retreat. 

The victory was complete : the Americans lost up- 
wards of 3000 men, including’ 2000 killed, and 1000 
taken prisoners, among- whom were three; generals. — 
On the side of the British the loss in killed and 
wounded was only about 500. .Among the provincials 
that fell, a regiment from Maryland was particularly 
regretted. It consisted wholly of young men of the 
1 best families in that province. They behaved with 
the most admirable heroism: they were every one* 
killed or wounded, and thus perished in the bloom 
you tin 

After this defeat, Washington did not think it ex- 
pedient to risk another action against a numerous ar- 
my of veterans, well provided with artillery, and 
elated witli their recent victory. New- York required 
to be strengthened, and the emergency did not admit 
of a moment’s delay for should the British fleet be 
able to station itself between* the camp and that city;, 
all wouid.be inevitable lost. 

In this extremity , Washington exerted all his char- 
acteristic vigilance and circumspection In the night 
of the 29th August, favoured by darkness, and in the 
most profound silence, he conveyed his troops on 
board the boats, and landed them on t'«e opposite 
shore. He also carried off as much of their baggage* 
military stores and artillery, as the time would per- 
mit. This retreat was conducted with so much se- 
crecy, that with the dawn, the British troops were 
surprised to seethe rear guard of the American army 
in the boats, in d beyond the reach of danger. 

When Washington returned with the army to New* 
York, he ordered batteries to be erected on every spot 
whence they could annoy the ships of war, which were 
now stationed in that part of the river which faces 

the city. . _ 

The men of war were continually engaged with 
chose batteries, some of which they silenced, and cmw 




LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 


bled the British troops to proceed up the river to „ 
bay about three miles distant. Here the troops End. 

#'<] Hnf!fptlPr:innnri ... 1 ... . ' . . 


y wswin. nere me troops land- 

ed under the cannon of the fleet, and marched direct- 
ly towards the city, on which Washington retreated 
with h,s men to the north of York Island. On this 
occasion, he Josta great part of h is, artillery apd mill. 
t4ry stores, yet he engaged the British troops where- 
ever he could make an advantageous stand. 

Washington had been particularly careful to fortify 
the pass cadetl King’s bridge, and had chosen this 
position for Ins army with the greatest judgment. 
He could advance or retire at pleasure, without any 
danger of he pig cut off in case of a defeat. Though 
he was determined not to risk a general engagement, 
yet in pider to inure his troops to actual service, and 

fn enemy ’ he em Ployed them 

jp continual skirmishes, m consequence of which they 
gradually became expert soldiers. y 

It was pow determined to force the Americans to a 
greater distance, lest others of their emissaries 
should engage m an attempt to destroy the city — 
Accordingh , General Howe left a sufficient garrison 

boats 'hv u’h ; I”?, cmbarked his W in flat bottomed 
poats, by winch they were conveyed through the dan 

Serous passage called Hell Gate,' and landed near the 
yown |f West- Chester, on the continent.-? fteH^av 
>ng fresh r,mforcements, the roval army made such 
movements as threatened to distress the Americans 
b> cutting off their supplies of provisions from Con* 
pecticut, and thus force them to an engagement 

in !m- S J in f t0n iel(l a Caunc d of war with his officers 


1 coiisiitcraoie dept n, m front 

reS" h “ 0 * rmics « wMl «*e Xorth river on his 
On the 28 th of October, at break of day, the British 

t "'° *»«»»». advanced towards 


1 

ri- 

5t‘ 

ed 


fy 

is 


'll 

d 

n 

y 

i 

5 

'1 

1 


LIFE OF ’WASHINGTON. 37 

The Americans maintained their ground in front 
till noon, when they were attacked with such vigour 
by the British army, that they were compelled to re- 
tire to their intvenchments. . 

During’ the night, Washington, ever intent or, the 
defence and preservation of his army, ordered several 
additional works to be thrown up in front of the lines, 
in consequence of which the English general thought 
it imprudent to attack him till the arrival of reinforce- 
ments. 

On mature deliberation, however, Washington 
thought it adviseable to retreat : his camp was brok- 
en up on the 1st of November, and he retired, with 
his army, into a mountainous country, called the 
Township of New-castie. By these judicious move- 
ments, lie avoided a general action. His system was, 
to harrass the enemy, and habituate his men to dan- 
ger, so that, when the emergency required it, they 
might be able to act with energy. 

When General Howe found that all his attempts to 
bring the enemy to an action were ineffectual, he 
turned his attention to the reduction of Forts Wash- 
ington and Lee. A division of his army advanced to 
King’s Bridge, from which the Americans withdrew 
Into Fort Washington, which was immediately invest- 
ed. This fort / as situated on the western side of 
New-York island, in the vicinity of ♦he city, and near- 
ly opposite to Fort Lee, which had been lately erect- 
ed on the other side of the water, in the province of 
Jersey. Its chief strength was in its situation, it was 
defended by three thousand men, well supplied with 
artillery. On the 1 6th of November, this fort was at- 
tacked by the British army, in four divisions, and, 
after a resistance of some hours, the garrison was 
overpowered, and obliged to surrender themselves 
prisoners of war. 

Jit order to obtain the full command of the North. 
Itiver, it was also necessary to reduce Port Lee For 
this purpose, Lord Cornwallis crossed the river, land- 
e’H on the Jersev shore, and marched with ail possible' 

n 


38 


LIFE OP WASHINGTON. 


expedition to surprize the garrison. Being apprizec 
of his approach they evacuated the fort, leaving al 
their artillery and warlike scores to the enemy.— 
Thus both the Jerseys were laid open to the incur 
sions of the British troops. They penetrated so fai 
that their winter quarters extended from New-Bruns 
wick to the river Delaware : and so great was the 
consternation of the Americans, that, had the British 
army found a sufficient number of boats to ferry them 
over the Delaware, it is highly probable that Phila- 
delphia would have fallen into their hands. 

Meanwhile, Sir Henry Clinton undertook an expe- 
dition to Ithode-Island, and became master of that 
province, without the loss of a man. The affairs of 
the Americans also wore an inauspicious aspect on 
their northern frontiers, where General Arnold was 
defeated by General Carleton, and compelled to retire 
from Crown-Point to Ticonderoga. 

The American army was now almost disbanded — 
As the time for which the soldiers had enlisted was 
only a twelvemonth, at the expiration of that period, 
having fulfilled their agreement, they returned home 
m consequence of which General Washington found 
his army decreased from 30,000 to 3,000. To assist 
the commander in Chief as much as possible. General 
Lee had collected a body of forces in the north, but on 
his way southward, having imprudently lodged at 
some distance fmm the troops, he was made prisoner 

him a ,o a NeVYo*: t,Sl ‘ dra « dons . bought 
The capture of General Lee was a heavy loss to the 
Americans. His professional knowledge was great 
both m the theory and practice of tactics ; he was 
full of activity, fertile in expedients, and of a most 
intrepid and enterprising disposition. 

Congress now exerted themselves ts retrieve their 
losses, and to recruit their army. They were fur- 
nished with a just plea for altering their mode of en- 
listmg men : they ordered a new army to be levied 
of which the soldier should be bound to serve 3 vears* 


; all 


LIFE 0F WASHINGTON. 39 

oi' during the continuance of the war. The most lib- 
encouragement was to be given to recruits. — 
1 wenty dollars was allowed to every soldier, as boun- 
ff | ty, besides an allotment of lands, at the end of the 
,5 ' war, to all that served, and to the families of those 
Je who should lose their lives in the service of their 
country. 

m All the provinces exerted themselves in this season 
“•j of universal danger, and hastened to send whatever 
1 reinforcements could be raised to their army that lay 
•y e * in the vicinity of Philadelphia. 

* j . Exclusive of the dread of being exposed to a victo- 
0 1 r i° u & enemy, the Americans were particularly apprc- 
n hensive of the Hessians, and other Germans, who had, 
" i5 on every occasion, committed the most barbarous 
etire outrages. Those ferocious mercenaries appropriated 
| every thing they could lay their hands upon, and 
- 1 plundered a people who not only detested butdespis- 
ed them for their meanness and rapacity. 

'• 0 ’ As the British troops lay cantoned on the banks of 
1 jthe Delaware, and only waited till the frost would 
Enable them to cross it, the Americans thought it ad- 
advisable to remove their Congress to Baltimore, in 
Maryland. Meanwhile, General Washington contin- 
ued to watch over the safety of his country ; his mind 
was continually occupied with new plans for the pro- 
tection of his beloved America; and 'he beheld with 
filial solicitude, the dangers that threatened her 
'liberties. 

The British army now occupied a chain of towns 
and villages throughout the heart of the Jerseys, and 
had extended their quarters to the banks of the Dela- 
ware. General Washington resolved to make some 
attempts on those divisions of the enemy that lay 
learest Philadelphia, and, if possible, relieve it from 
the danger to which it was exposed. 

A corps of Hessians lay at Trenton, another , at 
Borden ton, some miles lower down, and a third at 
Burlington. These towns were on the opposite bank 
>f the Delaware, and the last within twenty miles of 
Philadelphia. The Hessians, from a confidence in 


40 - LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 

their military, superiority, became inattentive. to the 
motions of the Americans, and were wholly engaged, 
with those licentious outrages. Unit had rendered, 
them odious to all the inhabitants. 

Washington prepared to surprise the enemy in 
their quarters. Accordingly, lie formed his army in- 
to three divisions — the first w as to cross tlve Delaware 
at Trenton ferry — the second below Bordenton — and 
the third he commanded in person* accompanied by 
Generals Sullivan, and Greene. This -division consist- 
ed of 3000 of the best men in the American service, 
with a train of twenty field pieces. On the 25th of 
December, Washington marched at the head of his 
division, to a ferry some miles above Trenton, with an 
intention to pass it at midnight, which would enable 
him to arrive at Trenton with tire dawn. 

It is impossible to contemplate the progress of this I 
littlp .army of patriots .without emotion. As they 
march in solemn silence, without one friendly ray to 
guide their footsteps what must b.c their sensations ? 
On the success of their enterprise depends the free- 
dom and happiness of innumerable millions yet un- 
born — on its failure awaits every evil that can appal 
the heart. The virtuous matron — the innocent child 
— the chaste virgin, all depend for protection on this 
heroic band. As they proceed, their bosoms throb 
with anxiety, while all the ardour of the soldier arises 
to overcome apprehension : neither the rigour of a 
winter’s night, nor the certainty of perils they must 
face can deter them from their purpose. Their lead 
er, who, like an eagle driven from her nest, still hov- 
ers about its young, what are his thoughts! — his 
noble heart forbodcs success, he anticipates victory ; 
and, while he feels the glow of heroism, his fortitude 
is prepared to brave even defeat itself. 

In consequence of the delay occasioned by the dif. 
ficulty in breaking the ice, it was four o’clock in the 
morning before Washington could land his troops 
with their artillery on the Jersey shore. He then 
iontted hi& men into two grand divisions ; one o: 


LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 41 

which he ordered to proceed by the lower road, and 
1 i led the other by the upper road to Trenton. Tho* 
'it was now eight o’clock, the enemy did not discover 
the approach of the Americans till they were attack- 
ed by Washington’s division, and in three minutes 
afterwards the lower part of the town was. assailed by 
the other detachment. Colonel Raile, who command- 
ed the Hessians, made every effort that could be ex- 
pected from a brave veteran ; but he was mortally 
Wounded, his troops were completely surrounded, 
and to the number of 1000 men laid down their arms v 

This victory may he considered as one of the most 
fortunate events that befel the Americans during the 
War. Religious individuals attributed this success to 
the interposition of Divine Providence, that had suf- 
fered America to be reduced to the extreme of dis- 
tress, in order to teach them not to place their reliance 
on their own strength, but to look to an Omnipotent 
Power for protection. 

Washington repassed the Delaware, and his return 
to Philadelphia with such a considerable number of 
/Ksoners, was both pleasing and unexpected. To 
surprise a body of veterans, and defeat them in their 
own quarters, was an achievement that excited the 
liveliest emotions of admiration in the breasts of the 
Americans. They were now emulous to second the 
efforts of a General who had so nobly effected their 
[defence ; men of energy and influence were dispatch- 
ed in all directions to rouse the militia, and about 
1500 of the American troops, whose engagement 
was nearly expired, agreed to serve six weeks longer 
for a gratuity of ten dollars to each- 

When the Hessian prisoners were secured, Wash- 
ington again crossed the Delaware, and took posses- 
sion of Trenton. Several detachments of the British 
assembled at Princeton, where they were joined by 
the army from Brunswick, commanded by Lord Corn- 
wallis. This general now marched to Trenton and 
attacked the Americans on the 2d of January, 1777, 
at 4 o’clock in tke afternoon. The vanguard of the 
D 2 


42 


LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 

Americans was compelled to retreat, but the pursu- 
ing enemy was checked by some field pieces which 
were posted on the opposite bank of the Sanpink" 
Creek. Thus two armies, on which tlie success or 
failure of the American Revolution depended, were 
crowded into the village of Trenton, and only sepa- 
rated by a creek in many places fordable. The British 
army discontinued their operations, and lay on their 
arms in readiness to make another attack next morn- 
ing- — Meanwhile Washington ordered the baggage to 
be silently removed, and having left fires and patroles 
in his camp to deceive the enemy, he led his army 
during the obscurity of the night, and by a circuitous 
route reached Princeton. 

Washington had held a council of war with his of- 
ficers, in which this movement had been determined 
on, a3 the most likely way to preserve the city of 
Philadelphia from being captured by the British ar- 
my. He reached Printeton early in the morning, and 
Would have surrounded three regiments of British In- 
fantry that were stationed there, had not a detach- 
ment that was marching to Trenton descried his, 
troops, and dispatched couriers to alarm their fellow 
soldiers. 

On their approach to Princeton, the centre of the 
Americans was charged by a party of the British 
troops, and compelled to retreat. In this emergency 
Washington rode forward ; he placed himself between 
his flying troops and the enemy. The Americans 
encouraged by his exhortations and example, rallied 
and attacked the British in turn ; and though Wash- 
ington was for some moments between two fires, he 
providentially escaped wi thout a wound. During this 
contest, the British troops displayed the most invin- 
cible valour. One of the three regiments commanded 
by Colonel Maw hood, undismayed by the superior- 
ity of the Americans in point' of numbers, charged 
them with their bayonets, forced their way through 
their ranks, and marched forward to Maidenhead - the 
other two regiments retired in c'xcqftent order,’ ami 
repeated to Brur.sjvick. ' 




LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 43 

The British General was so much disconcerted at 
/diese unexpected maneuvers of Washington, that he 
"evacuated Trenton, and retired with liis whole force 
to Brunswick ! 

Thus, in the space of a month, all that part of the 
Jerseys which lies between Brunswick and Delaware, 
was over-run by the British troops and recovered by 
the Americans. Washington stationed troops in all 
the important places which he had regained, and the 
campaign of 1776 closed with few advantages to the 
British army, except the acquisition of New-York. 

During these hostile operations, both armies had 
suffered great hardships. Many of the American 
soldiers were destitute of shoes, and their naked feet 
were often wounded by the inequalities of the frozen 
ground, insomuch that their footsteps were marked 
with blood. Their clothing was too slight for the 
rigorous season ; there was scarcely a tent in the 
whole army, yet so enthusiastically were they attach- 
ed to their general that they underwent those hard- 
ships without repining. Washington merited this 
generous confidence ; his benignity to his troops, the 
cheerfulness with which he participated their incon- 
veniences and dangers, and the heroism which he 
displayed in the heat of action, commanded their 
veneration. In the actions at Trenton and Princeton, 
he united the stratagem of Hannibal with the intre- 
pidity of Caesar ; while his success animated the 
hopes, and roused the energies of the friends of Amer- 
ican Independence. 

Though vested with extraordinary powers to raise 
troops, he found it very difficult to keep those he had 
together. A few were influenced, by the persuasions 
of their officers, to remain and defend the commou 
cause, but the major part of the army were induced 
10 serve by their attachment to their general. In- 
deed, the high estimation in which he was held by 
Jus countrymen, was of the greatest efficacy on many 
occasions, and now it absolutely prevented thft trab'ps 
from disbanding them skives. 


44 


LIFE OF WASHINGTOE. 

The recruits supplied by the several provinces feK 
short of the intended number ; yet while the British 
troops were detained at New-York, Washington re- 
ceived numerous reinforcements. He now moved 
from his winter encampment at Morristown, to the 
highlands about Middle-Brook in the vicinity of 
Brunswick. In this strong position he threw up 
works along the front of his lines, but his principal 
advantage was the difficulty to. approach his camp, 
the ground being so judiciously occupied as to expose 
an enemy tp every kind of danger in an attack. On 
the one side he covered the Jerseys, and on the other 
lie observed the motions of the British army at Bruns* 
wick of which he commanded a full prospect. 

Many stratagems were employed by the British 
General to draw Washington from his strong situa- 
tion, but. without effect, so that it was found necessa- 
ry to make an attempt on Philadelphia by sea. 

On the 23d of July, the British fleet sailed from 
Sandy Hook, with 36 battalions of British and Hessian 
infantry, a regiment of light dragoons, and a Corps of 
American Loyalists on board. After a tedious navi- 
gation, they went up the river Elk as far as was prac- 
ticable Here the army landed without opposition, 
on the 25th of August. Part of the troops were left 
to guard the stores, while General Howe proceeded 
with the main body to the head ef the Elk. 

When Washington received information that the 
British fleet had sailed up the Chesapeake, he march- 
ed with all possible expedition to the defence of Phil- 
adelphia. His army, amounting to 12,000 men, pas- 
sed through that city to meet the British forces, which 
consisted of 15,000. He encamped on the Brandy- 
wine Creek, about mid-way from the Elk to Philadel 
phia, and sent detachments to liarrass the British ar- 
my on their march. 

On the approach of the enemy, Washington retired 
to the side of the creek next Philadelphia, with a de- 
termination to dispute the passage. On the 1 1th of 
September, the royal army advanced to the attack at 
flay-break, and after a well contested battle, which 


1 


LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 4 • 

lasted till night, the Americans were defeated with 
the loss of 1000 killed and wounded, besides 500 
taken prisoners. On the side of the conquerors, die 
loss did not exceed 500. The victory Was so com- 
plete, that darkness alone prevented the pursuit and 
consequent destruction or capture of the whole pro- 
vincial army. The greatest valour had been display- 
ed by the officers and soldiers on both sides. Among 
the American troops who distinguished themselves 
most, were the Virginians, who, from their affection 
■for Washington, had on all occasions evinced the 
greatest intrepidity and enthusiasm. 

Immediately after the battle the Americans retired 
to Chester,. whence Washington wrote an account of 
his defeat to tlie president of Congress. His letter is 
dated 12 o’clock at night, and is perhaps the most 
faithful picture ever given of the reflections of a great 
mind amid disaster and difficulty. His troops though 
defeated were not dispirited, and. they considered 
their misfortune rather as the consequence of supe- 
rior skill on the side of their enemies, than as pro- 
ceeding from any defect of valour on theirs. 

Congress, which had returned from Baltimore to 
Philadelphia, were now obliged to retire a second 
time. They went first to Lancaster, and afterwards 
to York -Town. 

General Howe, at the head of the vanguard of his 
army entered Philadelphia in triumph on the 26th of 
September, and the main body of the British army en- 
camped in the vicinity of the city. The American 
army was posted atSkippaeh Creek, sixteen miles dis- 
tant. When Washington received the intelligence 
that the British army was divided, he resolved to sur- 
prise the camp of the principal division at German 
Town — Accordingly on the >d of October, in the 
evening, he inarched in great silence, and about 
o’clock in the morning lie reached the British camp, 
and immediately made the requisite dispositions for 
an attack. The patroles discovered his approach, and 
tlie troops were called to arms. 

The Americans assailed tlie camp with the greatest 


40 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 

intrepidity, but they were received with such bravery* 
that, after a very hot action, they were repulsed, and 
compelled to retreat with considerable loss. 

When the news that Philadelphia was in possession 
of the royal army, reached the northern colonies, they 
sent a reinforcement of 4000 of their best men to 
Washington. On their arrival, he advanced within 
fourteen miles of the city, and fixed himself in a 
strong encampment at White-Marsh. The British 
general marched out of Philadelphia in the begin- 
ning- of December, to afford Washington an oppor- 
tunity of coming to a general engagement, but he was 
determined to act merely on the defensive. Finding 
that he could not provoke the enemy to engage. Gen- 
eral Howe returned to the city on the 8th of Decem- 
ber, and Ms army went into winter quarters. 

Washington now removed his camp to Valley Forge 
on the banks of the Schuylkill, about fifteen miles 
from Philadelphia. In this strong position he could 
observe every motion of the British army. Huts were 
erected, in order to protect his army from the rigour 
of winter The willingness with which the troops 
consented to undergo the various hardships of so un- 
comfortable a situation, was a proof of the warmth of 
their attachment to their General, and their deter- 
mination to defend their country. 

While the British army were thus successful in the 
middle colonies, more important and decisive events 
happened in the northern provinces. General Bur- 
goyne was sent at the head of a veteran army, to make 
a vigorous campaign upon the lakes and in the ad- 
joining provinces. He first took possession of Ticon 
deroga, then crossed Lake George, and encamped on 
the banks of the Hudson near Saratoga. Here his 
progress was checked by the Americans under Gene- 
ral Gates : and after two severe actions, he was forced 
to surrender on the mil of October, 1 777. This event 
diffused an universal joy throughout the United States. 
The European nations, and France in particular, who 
from prej udice or envy, had so long been desirous of the 
downfall of British grandeur, received this news with. 


LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 41 

open exultation. Indeed, several individuals in France 
I had exerted themselves in favour of the Americans. 

A number of brave and experienced officers of the 
j Irish brigade volunteered in the cause of the British 
Colonies, against their parent State ; and even some 
of the young nobility of France were emulous to dis- 
tinguish themselves on this occasion. The most coni 
spicuous of these, were the Marquis de la Fayette ; 
Roche du Fermoy, who served in the army that acted 
against General Burgoyne ; De Coudray, a French of- 
ficer of rank ; and Baron St. Ovary. 

By the assistance of these auxiliaries, the Ameri« 
cans daily improved in discipline, and the successful 
close of the campaign on the frontiers, cheered them 
with the most pleasing expectations respecting the 
issue of the war. 

On the 6th of February, 1778, a treaty of alliance 
between France and America was signed by the con- 
tracting parties. Washington appointed a day for 
the whole army to celebrate the event, and it was ob- 
served with the greatest military pomp. 

In May, General Howe took his departure for Eng- 
land, and the chief command of the British army de* 
volved on Sir Henry Clinton. 

The English commissioners, appointed bv the Brit- 
ish Ministry to attempt a reconciliation with the Col- 
onies, arrived at New-York in the beginning of June, 
but before they could receive an answer from Congress, 
General Clinton evacuated Philadelphia, after the 
British army had kept possession of it for nine months. 
This event took place on the 18th of June, and ii was 
considered by the Americans as the harbinger of their 
Independence. They asserted, that the strength of 
Britain was broken on the American continent, and 
that the army retreated towards the sea, to be in 
readiness to embark, if the exigencies of Britain re- 
quired its assistance. 

The British army marched out of Philadelphia at 3 
o’clock in the morning, and crossed the Delaware be- 
fore noon, with all its baggage. 


4$ LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 

Washington had been apprised of this movement,, 
and dispatched expresses into the Jerseys to collect'- 
troops. He passed the Delaware with the main body 
of his army, and was hourly joined by reinforcements 
of regular troops and militia. 

General Clinton retreated, across the country to- 
wards Sandy- Hook, whence a passage to New -York 
might be easily effected, in the mean time, Wash- 
ington pursued the British army, he sent the Marquis 
de la Fayette with a detachment of chosen troops to 
harcass die rear of the enemy ; General Lee, who had 
been lately exchanged, followed with a division to 
support him. and Washington himself moved with the 
main body to sustain the whole. 

On the 2fth of June, the British armv encamped in 
a strong position at Monmouth, near Freehold; and 
on the morning of the 28th the van division of the 
Americans, under General Lee, commenced the at- 
tack by a severe cannonade ; but Sir Henry Clinton, 
had made such judicious arrangements of his troops, 
that the enemy were unable to make any impression 
on his rear. 

The British grenadiers and light infantry engaged 
the Americans with such vigour, that their first line, 
commanded by General Lee, was completely broken ; 
their second line wai also defeated ; they both rallied 
however, and posted themselves with a morass in 
their front. They were again charged by the British 
troops, and were with difficulty preserved from a to- 
tal defeat by the junction of their main body under 
Washington. 

£n this action the bravery and discipline of the 
British troops were conspicuous. They had forced 
an enemy superior in number, from two strong posi- 
tions, and had endured excessive fatigue both from 
the intense heat of the day and unremitting toil. The 
loss of the royal ai;my was about 500 men, and that of 
the Americans was considerable. 

General Lee, who commanded the van division of 
% American aririy in the action at Monmouth, was, 


LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 48 

V Jo consequence of his misconduct, put under arrest* 
tried by a Court-martial, and sentenced to a tempo- 
•y my suspension from his command. 

5 Washington, after the retreat of the British army, 
marched to White-Plains' near King’s -Bridge, where 

• He encamped. He remained in this position till the 
< latter end of autumn, when he retired to Middle- 
■ Brook, in Jersey. Here his army erected huts, simi- 
s lar to those they had made at Valley -Forge, and went 
to into winter quarters. 

id In May, 1779, General Clinton sent a division of the 
a British army to take Stoney-Point, a strong fort on 
■“ the western side of the North-River. This expedi- 
tion was successful, as the distance at which Wash- 
i ington lay with his army prevented him from giving 
i any assistance to the garrison. The British General 
e fortified Stoney-Point in the strongest manner, and 

• encamped at Philipsburgh, half way between that for- 
i, tress and New-York, to be in readiness to compel 
't Washington to an engagement, if he should leave hip 
'it station in Jersey. 

In ordeF to counteract these operations, Wnshing- 
! ton advanced towards the Britisli army. He took a 
strong position at West-Point, on the hanks of the 
; North-River, and formed a design to recover Stoney- 
i Point by surprise. He sent General Wayne, one of 
a the most intrepid officers in his army, to conduct this 
li enterpise. Wayne, at the head of a detachment of 
)- chosen men, arrived in the evening of the 15th of July 
? within sight of Stoney-Point. He formed liis men in- 
to two columns with orders to use the bayonet only, 
e The right column was commanded by himself in pex- 
1 son, the left by major Stewart, a bold and active of- 

• ficer. At midnight, the two columns marchexi to the 
i attack, from the opposite sides of the works, which 
; were surrounded with a morass and two rows of ab- 
: batis, well provided with artillery. The Americans 

were opposed by a tremendous fire of musketry and 
f grape shot, but they pressed forward with the bayo- 
net, and both columns met in the centre of the works., 
B 


50 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 

where the garrison, amounting to 500 men, were obli- 
ged to surrender prisoners of War. 

When the British General received the intelligence 
of the surprise of Stony-Point, he marched with hisl 
army to retake it, and as Washington did not consid- 
er the possession of that fortress of sufficient impor- 
tance to risk a general action, he demolished the 
works, and carried off the artillery. 

Towards the end of the year 1779, General Clinton 
sailed from New-York, with a considerale body of 
troops to attack Charleston in South -Carolina, where 
General Lincoln commanded. After a close siege of 
six weeks the town was surrendered to the British 
General, and the whole American garrison made pris- 
oners. In August 1780, Lord Cornwallis defeated the 
Amerioans under General Gates, at Camden in South 
Carolina, and he afterwards marched through the 
Southern States without opposition. 

During the summer of 1780, the British troops 
made frequent incursions from New-York into the 
Jerseys, and an unsuccessful attempt was made by 
General Knyphausen with 7000 men to surprise the 
advanced posts of Washington’s army. So great were 
the necessities of the American army, that Washing- 
ton was obliged to call on the magistrates of the ad- 
jacent counties for specified quantities of provisions ; 
nay, he was sometimes compelled to send detachments 
of his troops to take necessaries at the point of the 
bayonet from the citizens. This scarcity was princi- 
pally owing to the depreciation of the paper curren- 
cy, which discouraged the farmers from selling their 
provisions to the army. The situation of Washing- 
ton was peculiarly embarrassing— the army looked 
to him for necessaries, and the people for the protec- 
tion of their property. His prudence surmounted 
these difficulties, and Congress sent a Committee of 
their own body to his camp, to concert measures for 
the payment and supply of the troops. As the at- 
tempt of the British army against Washington had 
no impression of any consequence, the Ameri- 


LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 51 

cans began to recover from the alarm which the loss 
of Charleston had excited. Warm exhortations were 
made to the people by Congress, in which they were 
called upon by every motive that could animate them, 
to act with spirit and promptitude against Great Bri- 
tain. 

In the meantime, Sir Henry Clinton returned with 
bis victorious army from Charleston; and Gen. Arnold 
who had been entrusted with the command of a very 
considerable division of the American army at West 
Point, agreed to deliver up that important post to the 
British General. As Washington had set out for 
Hartford to hold a conference with Count de Rochem- 
beau, the negociation hetween Sir Henry Clinton and 
Arnold was carried on with greater facility during 
bis absence. The agent employed by the British 
General was Major Andre, a young officer of uncom- 
"'on merit. To favour the necessary communications, 
the V ul lure sloop of war had been previously stationed 
In the North Stiver, and a boat was sent at night from 
the shore to fetch Major Andre— When he had receiv- 
ed such instructions as related to his business, he set 
out on his return, but was intercepted and all his pa- 
pers seized. Arnold escaped on board the Vulture, 
but Major Andre was brought before a board of Gen- 
eral Officers, by whom he was considered as a spy, 
and sentenced to death. The officers who signed the 
condemnation of Andre, and even Washington him- 
self, testified the sincerest grief at the necessity they 
declared themselves under of complying with the 
rigorous laws established in sueh Gases. 

At the close of the year 1780, the American army 
felt the rigour of the season with peculiar circum- 
stances of aggravation by want of pay, clothing, kc. 
The troops had been enlisted for 3 years, which were 
now expired, and incensed at so long a continuance 
of hardships, an insurrection broke out in the Penn- 
sylvania line. which was followed by that of New-Jer- 
sey. The complaints of these soldiers being well 
founded, wfere redressed, and a general amnesty closed 


$2 


LIFE OF WASHINGTON'. 


the business. That part of the American army which 
was under the command of Washing-ton did not es- 
cape the contagion of revolt. He prudently remained 
m his quarters, where his presence, and the respect 
and affection for his person, though it did not prevent 
murmurs, kept his men within bounds, and prevented! 
a mutiny. 

The campaign of 1781, was opened with great vig- 
our by the British army in Carolina. After several 
skirmishes with various success, the two armies under 
Lord Cornwallis and General Greene, met at Guilford, 
on the 15th of March 1781, and after a well contested 
action, the British remained masters of the field. 
Lord Cornwallis afterwards marched into Virginia, 
where notwithstanding the advantages he gained over 
the Americans, his situation became very critical. 
Sir Henry Clinton was prevented from sending him' 
reinforcements, as he was apprehensive that Wash- 
ing intended to attack New-York. The American 
Commander m chief employed great finesse to de- 
ceive the British general, and by a variety of judi- 
cious manoeuvres, kept him in continual alarm. — In 
themean tirne, Lord Cornwallis took possession ot* 
York-Town, in Virginia, and he was followed by the 
Marquis de la Fayette, who had be*n dispatched bv* 
Washington with 2000 light infantry to watch the 
motions of the British army. 

On the 30th of August, Count de Grasse anchored 1 , 
in Chesapeake Bay, with 24 ships of the line. He 
anfled troops to co-operate with Washington, who 
had moved with the main body of his armv to the 


southward, and when he heard of the arrival 0 fth3 
S *2* . "^proceeded J 


y . ij> uvircucCl DV 

Ibrced marches to the head of the Elk, which he 
wossed and proceeded to York-Town. 

Washington now invested York-Town, with an ar- 
™y ot ii 1 1 5 ; 0 .? 0 , Americans, and 9000 French. He had 


i j.v , , . . » i icnuu. ne naci 

selected to best troops for this important occasion ; 

France C,1C ‘ Wei ® etown ® tlt bravest corps 


•ps 


LIFE OF WASHINGTON. Sfr 

Hie trench and American batteries mounted with 
1 fifty pieces of cannon, w r ere opened against York- 
town on the night of the 6th of October, and an in- 
cessant fire was kept up till the 14th, when two de- 
tachments of the besiegers attacked and stormed 
two redoubts in front of the British works. The 
besieged were now so reduced by sickness, and the 
, accidents of war, that they amounted only to 3,600 
effective men. Meanwhile Sir Henry Clinton select- 
ed 7000 of his best troops, which he embarked at 
New- York, on board the British fleet, with a deter- 
mination to succour the army under Lord Cornwal- 
lis ; but the garrison at York-T own, having persever- 
ed to the utmost extremity, and no prospect of re- 
liefappearing, a negociation was opened with Wash- 
ington, and the troops and seamen were obliged to 
surrender themselves prisoners of war. Thus ter- 
minated the decisive campaign, of 1781, which real- 
ized American Independence. 

Soon after the capture of Lord Cornwallis, the 
British armament appeared off the Chesapeake, in 
the latter end of October, but to their mortification, 
they were apprized that the army under Lord Corn- 
Wallis had surrendered. 

Washington felt all the honest exultation of a pat- 
riot at this event The orders published in his caijip» 
on the 20th of October, were strongly expressive of 
his satisfaction. He congratulated the officers and 
soldiers of the combined armies on their success, and 
issued a general pardon to all persons in the Contin- 
ental army who were under arrest, *■* that every heart 
might partake of the general joy.” Nor did he omit 
ivhat he knew would be peculiarly acceptable to the 
religious turn of many of his countrymen. His orders 
concluded with a particular injunction, “ That a 
thanksgiving service should be performed,” at which 
it was solemnly recommended to the troops to assist 
ivith that seriousness and sensibility of heart, which 
die surprising interposition of Providence in their 
fcvour so justly claimed. 

E 2 


54 


LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 

Washington was solicitous that the prisoners of 
war should be well treated. By his orders they were 
distributed in the provinces of Virginia, Maryland, 
and Pennsylvania, and their allowance was the same 
as that of the American army. 

Congress voted an address of thanks to Washing'- 
ton, Count R< chambeau. Count de Grasse, and all the 
officers and soldiers of the combined armies, for the 
services they had performed. They also resolved, 
“ That, in remembrance of the surrender of the Bri- 
tish army, a marble column should be erected at 
York-Town, Virginia, adorned with emblems of the 
alliance between France and the United States of 
America, and inscribed with a succinct account of 
the memorable event it was intended to comraemo- 
rate.” 

Washington now returned with the principal par t 
of his army to the vicinity of New- York, where, as he 
was unable to reduce that city, he went into winter 
quarters. The only appearances of an existing war 
were some skirmishes and predatory excursions. 

On the 5th of May, 1782, Sir Guy Carleton arrived, 
at New-York, beihg appointed to command the Bri- 
tish army in America. Immediately on his arrival, 
he acquainted Washington and Congress, tlmt nego- 
ciations for a peace had commenced at Paris. — 
Meanwhile, the British troops evacuated all their 
I»sts in South-Carolina and Georgia, and retired to 
the main army at New-York. 

Preliminary articles of peace were signed at Paris 

3 ^ thofNovember ’ lr82 ’ b y Mr. Fitzherbert 
and Mr. Oswald, on the part of Great Britain, and, by 
Dr. Franklin, Mr. Adams, Mr. Jay, and Mr. Lawrens, 
on the part of the United States. Bv this treaty hia 
Majesty acknowledged the Thirteen United Colonies 
to be ‘ tree, sovereign and independent States.” 

As military operations were now entirely suspend- 
ed ; it was no longer necessary to keep the American 
army embodied. The states, however, were unable to 
pay them «hr. arrears due fortbeir inestimable serv'f. 


LIFE OF WASHINGTON*. U 

MS, and those men who had spent the prime of their- 
days in defence of their country, were now to be dis- 
missed without a reward. 

An attempt was made by anonymous papers to in - 
cite the officers and soldiers to revolt. Washington, 
who was then in the camp, saw the danger, and ex- 
erted his influence to prevent it. At a meeting of 
the general and field officers, with one officer from 
each company, the Commander in Chief addressed 
them in a pathetic speech, in which he conjured 
them, “ as they valued their honeur, as they respect- 
ed the rights of humanity, and as they regarded the 
military and national character of America, to ex- 
press their utmost detestation of the man who was 
attempting to open the flood-gates of civil discord, 
and deluge their rising empire with blood. 5 ’’ Wash- 
ington then retired. The officers, Softened by the 
eloquence of their beloved commander, entered into 
a resolution, by which they declared, “ that no cir- 
cumstance of distress or danger should induce a con- 
duct that might tend to sully the reputation and glo- 
ry they had acquired ; that the army continued to 
have an unshaken confidence in the justice of Congress 
and their country, and that they viewed with abhor- 
rence, and rejected with disdain, the infamous propo- 
sitions in the late anonymous address to the officers 
< of the arm) .” 

The fortitude and patriotism of Washington were 
in no instance of more essential service to America, 
than on this momentous occasion, instead of making 
the discontent of the army instrumental to Ills own 
ambition, and usurping the government, this magnan- 
imous patriot soothed the passions of his soldiers, and 
preserved inviolate the liberties of his country. 

Towards the close of the year 1783, Congress issu- 
ed a proclamation, in which the armies of the United 
States were applauded for their “ long, eminent, and 
faithful services.” Congress then declared it to be 
" heir pleasure, ** that such part of tlieir Federtf 


56 LIFE OF WASHINGTON, 

armies as stood engaged to serve during the war., 
should, from and after the 3d day of November next, 
be absolutely discharged from the said service.” 

Washington’s “ Farewell orders to the armies of 
the United States,” dated Rocky-Hill, near Prince* 
ton, 2d Nov. 1783, is a pathetic exhortation, in which 
the disinterestedness of the Patriot is blended with 

the widnm (if tlio T. x • 


jj I * £cmHins lor me commander in Chief to 
address himself one? more, and for the last time, to 
.he armies of the United States, and to bid them an 
attectionate — a long farewell. 

“ It is universally acknowledged, that the enlarged 
prospect of happiness opened by the establishment of 
our Independence, almost exceed the power of des. 
cription ; and shall not the brave men who have con* 
trihuted so essentially to this inestimable acquisU 
tton, retiring victorious from the field of war to. the 
held of agriculture, participate in all the blessings 
which have been obtained ?— In such a Republic, who 
^ ill exclude them from the rights of citizens, and 
the fruits of their labours ?— To those hardy soldiers 
who are actuated by the spirit of adventure, the fish' 
eries will afford an ample and profitable employment- 
mid the fertile regions of the West will yield a most 
happy asylum to those who, fond of domestic en* 
joyment, are seekingfor personal independence. 

1 he commander in ehief conceives little is now 
wanting to enable the soldiers to change the militarv 
character into that of the citizen ; but that steady 
and decent tenor of behaviour which has. generally 
distinguished not only the army under his imme- 
ate command, but the different detachments and sep. 

:™r throu & h J the of the war — from 

hann-fe d sense and P I ' uden < :e . he anticipates the 
fcn?T-" S: and, while he consulates 
t iem on the glorious occasion which renders their 

th th f field 1<m S er nec essary > he wishes ta 
express the strong obligation he feels himself under^ 


1'IFE OF WASHINGTON. 57 

far the assistance hp has received from every chtsff, 
and in every instance To the various branches of 
the army, the General takes this last and solemn op- 
portunity of professing his inviolable attachment and 
friendship — He wishes more than bare professions 
were in his power — that he was really able to be use 
lul to them in future life. And being' now to conclude 
these his last public orders, to take his ultimate 
leave, in a short time, of the military character, and 
to bid a final adieu to the armies he has so long had 
the honour to command, he can only again oiler, in 
iheir behalf, his recommendations to their grateful 
Country, and his prayers to the God of armies. May 
ample justice be done them here, and may the choicest 
of heaven’s favours both here, and hereafter attend 
those who, under the Divine auspices, have secured 
Enumerable blessings for others ! With these wish- 
es, and this benediction, the Commander in Chief is 
about to retire fro»» service. The curtain of separa- 
tion will soo” be drawn, and the military scene, to 
him, wiilDe closed forever.” 

To this address, the army that remained at West- 
Point, on the banks of the Hudson, sent a most res- 
pectful and affectionate answer. After returning 
thanks to their General, for his exertions in their fa- 
vour, they express their feelings in the following bold 
and figurative language : 

“Regardless of present sufferings, we looked for- 
j ward to the end of our toils and dangers, to brighter 
j scenes in prospect. Ther? we beheld the genius of 
our Country dignified, by our Sovereignty and Inde- 
pendence, supported by justice, and adorned with ev- 
ery liberal Virtue. There we saw patient Husbandry 
fearless extend her cultivated field, and animated 
Commerce spread her sails to every wind. There we 
beheld fair Science lift her head, with all the Arts at- 
tending in her train. There, blest with Freedom, we 
saw the human Mind expand, and throwing aside the 
restraints which confined it to the narrow bounds of 
country, it embraced the world. Those animating 


58 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 


prospects are now changing' to realities, and actively 
to have contributed to their production, is our pride 
our glory.” 1 

New-York was evacuated by the British troops 
about three weeks after the discharge of the Amerh 
can array. Meanwhile, Washington, having finished 
die great Wo . r ^ °[the Revolution, and founded a Re- 
public, lie wished to retire from the eye of observe 
tion, to the peaceful, rural shades of his patrimonial 
inheritance. Accordingly, he took leave of his off- 
cers in the most solemn manner. Having- been nre 
f0i c that P ,lr P° se » Washington join- 

themTrK U V C n l hl - g f ° r a S laas of> wine addressed 
them m the following words • “ With a heart full of 

love and gratitude, I now take leave of you • I most 

devoutly wish, that your latter days may bo proper, 
ous and happy, as your former ones have be^n glorf 
ous artd honourable.” The officers were deenfv af 
fected; they came up to him suc 0 o SS i vely ^nd he 
took an affectionate leave of each. He left the 
room, and passed between the ranks of a corps of 
vr^ n I " I . antr y> tilat lmed his way to the side of ih e 

North River.— The officers followed him in a solemn 
si ent tram ; their eyes were suffused with tears— 

1 telt a strong emotion of regret at parting with 
a hero who had participated their dangers, and so 

KESSSSS" 

3ion e to P Co C n^. ed 10 l nnapol ' ,s ’ to rC! %n Ms commis- 
sion to Congresa, and was accompanied by his nephew 

Major George Washington, and Colonel atmphre™ 

his aid-de-camp,— Mrs progress was marked by P publii 
^n!i ing f ’ tnum P hal arches were erected a/the en . 
trance of every town and village through which he 
pasted. A number of beautiful young virgins robed 

am white, met him with songs of gratulation thev 

Btrewed laurel before the benign hero, who moved 
Slowly on a white charger. The name of Washington 


Life op Washington. 5S 

excited an universal emotion. Women and children 
thronged the doors and windows, eager to behold the 
Deliverer of their country— bands of music filled the. 

i air with sprightly melody, while the men who had 
tought under the banners of Liberty, hailed their Gen- 
eral with acclamations, Washington received this 
tribute of public gratitude with his characteristic- 
benignity, while his bosom participated the general 
happiness. ° 

On his arrival at Annapolis, lie informed Congress 
: intended resignation ; — they resolved it should 

' be m a public audience, and on the day appointed, 
numbers of distinguished persons attended^ behold 
the interesting scene. General Washington addressed 
the President in the following words, 

w Mr. President, 

“ The great events Oh which my resignation de 
pended, having at length taken place, I have now the 
honour of offering my sincere congratulations to Con- 
gress, and of presenting myself before them to sur 
render into their hands the trust committed to me, 
and to claim the indulgence of retiring from the ser* 
vice of my country. 

“ Happy in the confirmation of our independence 
and Sovereignty, and pleased with the opportunity 
afforded the United States of becoming arespectable 
nation, I resign with satisfaction, the appointment I 
accepted with diffidence; a diffidence in my abilities 
to accomplish so arduous a task, which, however, was 
superceded by a confidence in the rectitude of our 
cause, the support of the Supreme Power of the 
Union, and the patronage of Heaven. 

“ The successful termination of the war has verifi 
ed the most sanguine expectations, and my gratitude 
for the interposit ion of Providence, and the assistance 
I have received from my countrymen, increases with 
every revie w of the momentous contest. 

“ While I repeat my obligations to the army ia 
general, I should do injustice to my own feeling, not 


m LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 


to acknou ledge, m tuis pls.cc, the peculiar services 
and distinguished merits of the persons wJio had been 
attached to my person during the war: It was impos- 
sible the choice of confidential officers to compose 
my family should have been more fortunate ; permit 
me, Sir, to recommend, in particular, those who have 
continued in the service to the present moment, as 
worthy of the favourable notice and patronage of 
Congress. 

** ^ consider it as my indispensable duty to close 
ibis last solemn act of mv official life, by recommend- 
ing the interests of our dearest country to the protec- 
tion of Almighty God, and those who have the super- 
intendence of them to his holy keeping. 

“ Having now finished the work assigned me, I re- 
twefrom the great theatre of action, and bidding an 
affectionate farewell to this august body, under whose 
orders I have long acted, I here offer my commission, 
^ l » ake ieave of al1 the employments of public 

To this the President returned the followin'* an- 
swer : ° 

“ 1 he United States in Congress assembled, re- 
cei\e with emotions too affecting for utterance the 
solemn resignation of the authorities under which 
you have led their troops with success, through a Per- 
ilous and doubtful war. ' x 

“ filled upon by your Country to defend its invacU 
ed rights, you had accepted the sacred charge before 
it had formed alliances, and whilst it was without 
ir lends or a government to support her. 

/ You have conducted the great military contest 
with wisdom ami fortitude, invariably regarding the 
rights of the civil power through all disasters and 
changes. You have by the love and confidence of 
your fellow-citizens, enabled them to display their 
martial genius, and transmit their fame to posterity. 
Having defended the standard of liberty in this new 

world, having taught a lesson useful to those who 
inflict, and to those who feel oppression, you retire 


LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 

5 from the great theatre of action with the blessings of 
M OU1 ’ fellow-citizens; but the glory of youi* virtues 
■ will not terminate with your military command — it 
: [ Will continue to animate remotest ages.” 
t j W ashington now hastened to Mount Vernon, where 

i he was welcomed by his affectionate consort, neigh- 
' hours and domestics, with every demonstration of 
‘ joy; and divesting himself of the military robe, he 
once more assumed the plain garb of the farmer. 

' Agriculture was his favourite pursuit— -His estate 
at Mount Vernon particularly engaged his attention, 
and was productive of large quantities of wheat, In- 
dian corn, potatoes and flax, besides flocks of sheep, 
2nd herds of cattle. — His life was regulated by tem- 
perance ; he rose early, and after spending the day in 
, a variety of rural pursuits, he retired to rest about 
nine o’clock. This was his invariable rule, except 
when visitors required his polite attention. His table 
was spread With the most wholesome viands and pure 
wines, but he commonly dined on a single dish, which, 
with a few glasses of wine, formed Ins repast He 
liberally patronized an academy at Alexandria, en- 
couraged the interior ltkvigation of the Potomack ; he 
Was the benefactor of the poor, and, in short, like the 
sun to vegetation, his cheering influence and example 
promoted the happiness of society w'here he resided. 

In these peaceful scenes, Washington enjoyed the 
rational delights of rural life from the year 1783, till 
the summer of 1787, when he was chosen President, 
of the Convention, which met at Philadelphia, and 
framed the present Constitution of the United States. 
The Federal Union after eleven years experience, had 
been found inadequate to the purposes of government. 
The fundamental distinction between the Articles of 
Confederation and the new Constitution, lies in this ; 
the former acted only on States, the latter on indi- 
viduals ; — the former could neither raise men or 
money by its own authority, but lay at the discretion 
ef thirteen different Legislatures, and, without their 
unjtnim'ous concurrence, was unable to provide for the 
P 


62 


LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 

public safety, or for the payment of the national 
debt. By the new Constitution, one Legislative, Ex- 
ecutive, duel Judicial power pervades the whole 
Union.” After a full consideration, and thorough 
discussion of its principles, it was ratified by eleven 
of the thirteen states, and North-Carolina and Rhode- 
Island have since given their concurrence. 

The new Constitution being thus adopted, Wash- 
ington was chosen President in April. 1789, by the 
unanimous vote of his countrymen. When he receiv- 
ed intelligence of his election, he set out from Mount 
Vernon for New-York. He was escorted by the mili- 
tia and gentlemen of the first character from State to 
State, and numerous addresses of congratulation were 
presented to him by the inhabitants of the towns 
through which he passed. On his approach to Phil- 
adelphia, he was met by above 20,000 citizens, who 
conducted him to the city, where an elegant enter- 
tainment was prepared for him. 

His progress from Philadelphia to New-York is 
thus described by an elegant writer, and presents an 
animated picture of public gratitude. "When Mr. 
Washington crossed the Delaware and landed on the 
Jersey shore, he was saluted with three cheers by the] 
Inhabitants of the vicinity. When he came to the I 
brow of the hill on his way to Trenton, a triumphal! 
arch was erected on the bridge, by the direction ofj 
the ladies of the place. The crown of the arch wasj 
highly ornamented with imperial laurels and flowers,; 
and on it was displayed, in large figures, " December 
26th, 1776.” On the sweep of the arch, was this in- 
scription, “ The Defenders of the Mothers will also 
protect their Daughters.” On the north side were 
ranged a number of young gills dressed in white,, 
with garlands of flowers on their heads, and baskets 
of flowers on their arms — in the second row stood the 
young ladies, and behind them the married ladies of 
the town. The instant lie passed the arch, the 
young girls began to sing the following ode * 


LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 63 

Vf Welcome, mighty Chief once more, 

“ Welcome to this grateful shore : — 

“ Now no mercenary foe 
“ Aims, again, the fatal blow — 

“ Aims at thee the fatal blow. 

“ Virgins fair and matrons grave, 

“ These thy conq’ring' arm did save, 

“ Build for thee triumphant bowers ; 

“ Strew, ye fair, his way with flowers, 

*» Strew your Hero’s way with flowers.” 


«• As they sung the last lines, they strewed theis* 
flowers on the road before their beloved Deliverer. — • 
His situation on this occasion, contrasted with what 
he had, in December 1776, felt on the same spot, 
when the affairs of America were at the lowest ebb 
of depression, filled him with sensations that cannot 
be described. He was rowed across the bay from 
Eli z abeth-To wn to New-York, in an elegant barge, 
by thirteen pilots. All the vessels in the harbour 
hoisted their flags. On his landing, universal joy dif- 
fused itself through every order of the people, and he 
was received and congratulated by the Governor of 
the State and officers of the Corporation. In the 
evening, the houses of the inhabitants were brilliant- 
ly illuminated.” 

6n the 30th of April he was inaugurated President 
of the United States, and took the oath enjoined by 
the constitution, in the following words, “I do 
solemnly swear, that I will faithfully execute the of- 
fice of President of the United States, and will, to 
the best of my ability protect and defend the Consti- 
tution of the United States.” An universal and 
solemn silence prevailed among the spectators during 
this part of the ceremony. The Chancellor then pro- 
claimed him President of the United States, and was 
answered by the discharge of cannon, and the accla- 
mations of 20,000 citizens. . p 

Soon after his appointment to the Chief Magistra- 
cy, he visited the Eastern States, with a view to pro,. 


C4 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 

mole agriculture, and explore the means of national 
improvement. The French Revolution, which has 
excited the attention of mankind, proved a severe 
test to the prudence of Washington. Though he se- 
cretly disapproved of the violent measures of the 
French Republic, yet he saw that it was necessary for 
America to preserve a muiual good understanding 
with that nation. 

Washington was twice elected President, and dur- 
ing his eight years administration, he pei.. armed the 
duties of his arduous office with all the zeal of an hon- 
est patriot. After having spent forty-five years of 
his life in the service of his country, he, in Septem- 
ber, 1796, announced his determination to retire in an 
address, expressive of his gratitude and affection. 

Washington once more retired to his favourite seat, 
with the hope of devoting the remainder of his davs 
to the calm duties of domestic life. From March 
1/97, to July 1798, he enjoyed the pleasures arising 
from the practice of virtue. The aggressions of 
France now alarmed Mr. Adams’ administration, and 
that they might be prepared to resist open hostility 
they found it expedient to embody their army. Con- 
vinced of the abilities and integrity of that venerable 
man, whose valour had been instrumental to the 
emancipation of his country, Congress appointed 
Washington Commander in Chief of the armies. He 
accepted the appointment, and his letter to the Presi- 
dent on that occasion, is marked with, that perspicuity 
which distinguishes all his writings. 

But the moment now approached in which this il- 
lustrious character was to be removed to anothe" 
state of existence. On the 12th of December, J 799 
lie rode out to one of his regular plantations, and the 
day being rainy he caught cold, which brought on an 
inflammatory sore throat. This disease became 
alarming on Friday night, and when his physician ar- 
rived on Saturday morning, medical aid w s ineffica- 
cious. A few minutes before lie expired, he enq; ii red 


LIFE OF WASHINGTON. &S 

** Doctor, how long' am I to remain in this situation ?** 
, The physician replied. “ Not long-, Sir.” 

A gentleman, who was present at Mount Vernon, 
has furnished us with the following particulars rela- 
tive to the death of General Washington : — 

“ The General, a little before his death, had begun 
several improvements on his farm. Attending to 
some of these, he probably caught his death. He had 
in contemplation a gravel walk on the banks of the 
Potomack; between the walk and the river there 
was to be a fish pond. Some trees were to be cut 
down, and others preserved. On Friday, the day be- 
fore he died, he spent some time by the side of the 
river, marking the former. There came a fall of 
snow, which did not deter him from his pursuit, but 
1 he continued till his neck and hair were quite cover- 
!i ed with snow. He spent the evening with Mrs, 
Washington, reading the newspapers, which came by 
the mail that evening : he went to bed as usual about 
9 o’clock, waked up in the night, and found himself 
extremely unwell, but would not allow Mrs. Washing- 
ton to get up, or the servants to be waked. In the 
morning, finding himself very ill, Dr. Craik of Alexan- 
dria, was sent for. Soon after his arrival, two con- 
sulting physicians were called in, but all would not 
avail. On Saturday he died. He said to Col Lear a, 
little before his death, “ bury me decently, and not 
till two days after my decease.” To Dr. Craik he 
said, “ I die a very hard death, but I am not afraid to 
die.” Before he breathed his last, he laid himself on 
his back, placed his hands before him, and closed his 
own mouth and eyes.” 

Philadelphia, Dec. 19. 

On Saturday the 14th inst. died at his seat in Viry 
| ginia, General George Washington, Commander in 
1 Chief of the Armies, and late President of the Con- 
gress, of the United States of America — mature in 
years, covered with glory, and rich in the affection* 
F 2 


6S LIFE OF WASHINGTON’. 

of a free people, and the admiration of the whole civ> 
ili zed world. 

When men of common character are swept from 
the theatre of life, they die without the tribute of 
public concern, as they had lived without a claim to 
public esteem — but when personages of great and ex- 
alted worth are summoned from this sublunary scene, 
their death calls forth a burst of general regret, and 
invigorates the flame of public gratitude. In obe- 
dience therefore to the voice of their Country, the 
poet, the orator, and the historian, will combine to do 
justice to the character of this illustrious Patriot ; 
whilst the ingenious labours of the sculptor, the stat- 
, wary, and the painter, will unite in perpetuating the 
virtues of The Man of the Age. 

Mourn, Columbia, mourn! — Thy Father and Pro- 
tector is no more ! — Mourn Reader, of whatever kin- 
dred, tongue or clime thou be, thy Friend, the Friend 
of Man and of Liberty, is gone ! The Hero, the Sage* 
the Patriot, this glorious emanation of the Deity, is 
carried back to the bosom of hi* God ! — The record- 
ing Angel has registered his virtuous deeds in Heav- 
en, and the name of WASHINGTON will live forever 1 

Alexandria, Dec. 20. 

On Wednesday last the mortal part of Washington, 
the Great — the Father of his Country, and the Friend, 
of Man was consigned to the silent tomb with solemn 
honours and funeral pomp. 

A multitude of people, from many miles round, as- 
sembled at Mount Vernon, the choice abode, and last 
earthly residence of its illustrious Chief. There 
were the groves, the spacious avenues, the beautiful 
scenery, the noble mansion — but alas ! its august in- 
habitant was gone ! — his body indeed was there, but 
his soul was fled ! 

In the long and lofty portico, where oft the Hera 
walked in all his virtuous glory, now lay the shrouded 
coVpse — The countenance still composed and serene, 
seemed to express the dignity of that spirjt which 


LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 6? 

lately actuated the lifeless form.— There, those tvho 
paid the last sad honours to the Benefactor of his 
Country, took a last — a sad farewell. 

Near the head of the coffin, were inscribed the words 
Surge ad Judicium ; about the middle, Gloria Deo 
and on the silver plate, General George Washington, 
departed this life 14 th Dec. JEtat 68. 

Between 3 and 4 o’clock, the sound of artillery 
from a vessel in the river firing 1 minute guns, aroused 
all our sorowful feelings — the body was moved, and a. 
band of music with mournful melody, melted the soil! 
into all the tenderness of woe. — The processiop, 
marched in the following order : 

Cavalry, Infantry, and Guard with arms reversed ; 

Clergy ; Music ; 

The general's horse, with his saddle, holsters, aJitl. 
pistols ; 

Col. Simms, f 2 ^ CoL Gilpin, 

Ramsay, < § C Marsteller* 

Payne, C « j Little * 

Mourners ; 

Masonic Brethren ; 

And Citizens. 

"Wlien the procession arrived at the bottom of the 
Itlwh. on the banks of the Potomack, where the family' 
vault ist^ laced, the Cavalry halted, and the Infantry 
marched towards the mount and formed in lines; 
The Clergy, the Masonic Brethren, and the Citizens*, 
descended to the vault, where the Church funeral 
service wa9 performed. 

Three general discharges by the artillery, cavalry* 
and infantry, paid the last tribute of respect to the 
entombed Commander in Chief of the American 
Armies 

The Sun was now setting — Alas, the Son of Glory 
was set — No, the name of Washikstox will live 
£>r ever ’ 


m LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 

From Vernon’s Mount behold the Hero rise, 
Resplendent forms attend him thro’ the sjdes ! 

The shades of war-worn Veterans round him throngs 
And lead enwrapt their honour’d Chief along. 

A laurel wreath the immortal Warren bears ; 

An arch triumphal Mercer’s hand prepares ; 

Young- Lawrence, erst th’ avenging lx>lt of war. 
With port majestic guides the glittering car ; 
Montgomery’s godlike form directs the way, 

And Greek unfolds the gates of endless day; 

Whilst angels, “trumpet tongu’d,” proclaim thro? 
air, 

* s Due Honours for The first of Men prepare !” 


PROCEEDINGS IN CONGRESS. 

House of Representatives. 

Thursday, Dec. 19, 1789. 

Mr. Marshall addressed the Chair as follows:— 
** Mi'. Speaker — The melancholy event which was 
yesterday announced with doubt] has been rendered 

but too certain. Our Washington is no more ! The 

hero, the sage, and the patriot of America— the mail 
on whom in times of danger, every eye was turned 
and all hopes were placed, lives now, only in his own 
great actions, and in the hearts of an affectio v te and 
*’-n afnicted people. 

“ D, Sir, it had even not been usual, openly to testi. 
fv re- pect for the memory of those whom Heaven had 
* --leered as its instruments for dispensing good to 
?nen, vet, such has been the uncommon worth, and 
such tht extraordinary incidents, which have marked 
he htc ot aim, whose loss we all deplore, that the 
who e American nation, impelled by the same feelings, 
V'o.dd cad with one voice, for a public manifestation 
filial sorrow, v/hic{) so deep and so universal. 

* M -' :x tilun ot ^er individual, and as much as 


MI'2 OP WASHINGTON’. 6& 

i<J one individual was possible, has he contributed to 
found this our wide spreading- Empire, and to giva 
to ihe Western World its independence and freedom* 

“ Having effected the great object, for which he, 
was placed at the head of our armies, we have seen 
him converting the sword into the plough-share, 
and voluntarily sinking the Soldier into the Citizen. 

“ When the debility of our Federal system had be- 
come manifest, and the bonds, which connected the 
parts of this vast continent, were dissolving, we have 
seen him the Chief of those Patriots who formed for 
us a Constitution* which by preserving the Union, 
j will, I trust, substantiate and perpetuate those bless- 
i ings, which our Revolution had promised to bestow. 

“ In obedience to the general voice of his Country, 
calling on him to preside over a Great People, we 
: have seen him once more quit the retirement be loved., 
and in a season more tempestuous than war itself, 
with calm and wise determination, pursue the trite 
interests of the Nat ion, and contribute, more than any 
other could contribute, to the establishment of that 
system of policy, which will, I trust, yet preserve ouc 
peace, our honor, and our independence. 

“ Having- been twice unanimously chosen the Chief 
Magistrate of a Free People, we see him, at a time 
when his re-election with universal suffrage could not 
be doubted, affording to the world a rare instance of 
moderation, by withdrawing from his high station tci 
the peaceful walks of private life. 

However the public confidence may change and 
the public affections fluctuate with respect to others, 
yet, with respect to him, they have in war and in 
peace, in public and in private life, been as steady as 
his own firm mind, and as constant as his own exalted 
virtues. 

“ Let us, then, Mr. Speaker, pay the last tribute of 
affection and respect to our departed Friend — Let the. 
Grand Council of the Nation display those sentiments 
which the Nation feels — For this purpsse I hold in 
my hand some Resolutions which I hike the liberty of 
offering to tie House.” 


70 


LIFE OP WASHINGTON. 

■Mr. Marshall having' handed his resolutions to the 
Clerk, they were read, and unanimously agreed to, 
as follows, viz. 

Resolved, That this House will wait on the Presi- 
dent of the United States, in condolence of this 
mournful event. 

Resolved, That the Speakers chair be shrouded 

idt black, and that the Members and Officers of 
the House wear black during the session. 

Resolved, That a committee, in conjunction with 
one from the Senate, be appointed to consider on the 
suitable njanner of paying honour to the memo- 
ry qt the jMas, first, in war, first in peace, and first in 
ti.i.V hearts of Ins countrymen. 

Mondat, Dec. 23. 

Mr. Marshall made a report from the joint com- 
mittee appointed to consider a suitable mode of com- 
memorating the death of General Washington. 

He reported the following Resolutions • 

He solved by the Senate and House of Representa- 
tives of the United States of America, in Congress 
assembled. That a marble monument be erected by 
the United States, at the Capitol of the City of 
Washington, and that the family of General Wash- 
ington be requested to permit his‘ body to be deposit- 
ed under it ; and that the monument be so designed 
as to commemorate the great events of his military 
and political life. 

And be it further resolved, That there be a fune- 
ral procession from Congress Hall, to the German 
Lutheran Church, in memory of General George 
Washington, on Thursday the 25th inst. and that an 
oration be prepared at the request of Congress, to be 
delivered before both Houses that day; and that the 
President of the Senate and Speaker of the House of 
Representatives* be desired to request one of the 
Members of Congress to deliver the same. 

And be it further resolved, That it be recommended 
to die people of the United States, to wear crape op 
their left arm as mourning, for thirty (lays. 


LIPF. OP WASHINGTON. 72 

And be it further resolved, That the President of 
Ibe United States be requested to direct a copy of 
these Resolutions to be transmitted to Mrs. Washing- 
ton, assuring- her of the profound respect Congress 
will ever bear to her person and character, of their 
condolence on the late affecting dispensation of Prov- 
idence, and intreating her assent to the interment of 
t he remains of General Washington in the manner ex- 
pressed in the first resolution. 

And be it further resolved, that the President of 
the United States be. requested to issue his proclama- 
tion, notifying to the People throughout the United 
States the recommendation contained in the third res- 
olution. 

These Resolutions passed both Houses unanimous- 

b’- 

Same day, the Senate sent the following letter ot 
condolence to the president of the United States, by 
a committee of its members : 

To the President of the United States. 

The Senate of the United States respectfully take 
leave, Sir, to express to you the deep regret for the 
loss their country sustains in the death of General 
George Washington. 

This event, so distressing to all our fellow citizens 
must be peculiarly heavy to you, who have long been 
associated with him in deeds of Patriotism. Permi. 
us, Sir, to mingle our tears with yours — on this occa-' 
sion it is manly to weep. To lose such a man, at such 
a crisis, is no common calamity to the world — our 
Country mourns her Father. The Almighty Disposer 
of human events has taken from us our greatest Ben- 
efactor and Omament-—It becomes us to submit with 
reverence to Him, who “ maketh darkness his pavil> 
ion.” 

With patriotic pride, we review the life of our 
Washington, and compare him with those of othe r 
countries, who have been pre-eminent in fame. An 

cient and modern names are diminished before jtur>. 


72 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 

Greatness and Guilt have too often been allied ; but 
his fame is whiter than it is brilliant. The destroy- 
ers of nations stood abashed at the majesty of his 
virtue.— It reproved the intemperance of their ambi- 
tion, and darkened the splendour of victory. The 
scene is closed, and we are no longer anxious lest 
misfortune should sully his glory ; he has travelled 
on to the end of his journey, and carried with him an 
increasing weight of honour ; l*e has deposited it 
safely, where Misfortune cannot tarnish it — Where 
'Malice cannot blast it. Favoured of Heaven, he de- 
parted without exhibiting the weakness of humanity j 
magnanimous in death, the darkness of the grave 
could not obscure his brightness. 

Such was the Man whom we deplore. — Thanks to 
God, his glory is consummated-- Washington yet 
lives on earth in his spotless example — his spiri£ is 
in Heaven ! 

Let his countrymen consecrate the memory of tl c I 
heroic General— the patriotic Statesman— and the 
virtuous Sage ; — let them teach their children never ; 
to forget, that the fruits of his labours and his exam' 
pic are their inheritance. 

' . ' _ | 

The President’s Answer. 

Gentlemen of the Senate , 

I receive, with the most respectful and affectionate 
sentiments, in this impressive address, the obliging ! 
expressions of your regret for the loss our country 
has sustained, in the death of her most esteemed, be- 
loved, and admired Citizen. 

In the multitude of mv thoughts and recollections 
©n this melancholy event, you will permit me to say, 
that T have seen him in the days of adversity, in 
some of the scenqs of his deepest distress, and most 
trying perplexities y I have also attended him in bis 
highest elevation, and mort prosperous felicity, with 
wniform admiration of his wisdom, moderation, and 
constancy. 


LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 71? 


Among all our original associates in that memora- 
ble league of the Continent in. 177 4, which first ex- 
pressed the sovereign will of a Free Nation in Amer- 
| ica, he was the only one remaining in the General 
| Government. Although with a constitution more en- 
! feebled than his, at an age when he thought it neces 
sarv to prepare for retirement, I feel myself alone — 
bereaved of my last brother ;, yet I derive a strong 
consolation from the unanimous-, disposition • which 
appears -in all ages and classes, to mingle their sor- 
rows with mine on this common calamity to the- 
world. 

The life- of our Washington cannot suffer by a com- 


parison. with those of other countries, who have been 
most celebrated and exaltetl by Fame. The attri- 
butes and decorations of revalty could only have serv- 
ed to eclipse the majeSly of those- virtues which made 
him, from being a modest Citizen, a more resplend- 
ent luminary. Misfortune, had he lived, could here- 
after have sullied his glory only with those superfi- 
cial minds, who, believing “ that characters, and 
actions arc marked by success alone,” muely deserve 
to enjoy it. Malice could never blast his honour, and 
l';nvy made him, a singular exception to her univer- 
sal rule.— For himself, he had lived enough to life 
and glory— For his fellow-citizens, if their prayers, 
could have been answered, he would have been im- 
j,nortal.«^For me, his departure is at a most unfortu- 
nate moment. Trusting, however, in the wise and 
righteous- dominion of Providence oyer the passions 
of men, and the results of their councils and actions, 
as well as over their lives, nothing remains for me 
but humble resignation. 

His example is now complete, and it. will teach 
wisdom and virtue to magistrates, citizens, and men, 
not only in the present age, but in future generations, 
as long as our history shall be: read. — If a 1 raj an 
found a Pliny, a Marcus Aurelius can never want b> 
opTflnhers eulogists, or historians 

JOHN ADAM?. 


74 


LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 

On Monday the 8th of January, the President s£nl 
the following letters to Congress ; 


Gentlemen of the Senate , and 

' Gentlemen of the House of Representatives % 

Til compliance with the request in one of the Reso- 
lutions of Congress, of the 21st of December last, I 
transmitted a copy of those resolutions, by my se- 
cretary, Mr. ShaW, to Mrs. Washington, assuring her 
of the profound respect Congress Will ever bear to her 
person and character — of their condolence in the late 
afflicting dispensation of Providence, and entreating 
her assent to the interment of the remains of General 
George Washington in the manner expressed in the 
first resolution. As the sentiments of that virtuous 
lady, not less beloved by this nation, than she is at 
present greatly afflicted* can never be so well expres- i 
sed as in her own words, I transmit to Congress her 
original letter. 

It would be an attempt of too much delicacy to 
make any comments upon it— but there can be no 
doubt, that the nation at large, as well as all the 
branches of the Government, will be highly gratified 
by any arrangement which may diminish 'the sacri- 
fice she makes of her individual feelings. 

JOHN ADAMS. 

•Mrs. Washington’s Answer. 


Mount Vernon, 31st. Dec. 1790 

St n, 

While I feel, with keenest anguish, the late dis- 
pensations of Divine Providence, 1 cannot be insensi- 
ble to the mournful tribute of respect and venera- 
tion which is paid to the memory of my dear deceas- 
ed husband ; and, as his best services and most anx 
tons wishes were always devoted to the welfare and 
happiness of his country, to know that they were truly 
appreciated, and gratefully remembered, affords no 
inconsiderable consolation. 


LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 7 5 

Taught by the great example which I have so long 
had before me, never to oppose my private wishes t& 
the public will, I must consent to the request made 
by Congress, which you have had the goodness to 
transmit to me. And in doing this, I need not, l 
cannot say, what a sacrifice of individual feeling I 
make to a sense of public duty. 

With grateful acknowledgements, and unfeigned: 
thanks, for the personal respect and evidence - of con- 
dolence expressed by Congress and Yourself, 1 remain 
very respectfully, 

MARTHA WASHINGTON. 



THE 

M | 

FAREWELL ADDRESS 

OF 

GEORGE WASHINGTON. * 

Friends and Fellow -Citizens, 

The period for a new election of a citizen to ad- 
minister the executive government of the United 
States, being not far distant, and the time actually 
arrived, when your thoughts must be employed in de- 
signating the person who is to be clothed with that 
important trust, it appears to me proper, especially as 
it may conduce to a more distinct expression of the 
public voice, that I should now apjiri.se you of the 
resolution I have formed, to decline being considered 
among the number of those out of w hom a choice is 
to be made. 1 beg you, at the same time, to do me 
the justice tube assured, that this resolution has not 
been taken, without a strict regard to all the consid- 
erations apj>ert lining to the relation which binds a 
dutiful citizen to. his country; and that, in withdraw 


LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 

ing“ the tender of service winch siience in my siUt. 
tion might imply, I am influenced by no diminution 
of zeal for your future interest ; no deticiency ol 
grateful respect for your past kindness; but am sup 
.ported by a full conviction that the step is compati- 
ble with both. 

The acceptance of, and continuance hitherto in the 
office to which your suffrages have twice called me, 
have been a uniform sacrifice of inclination to the 
opinion of duty, ami to a deference for what appeared 
to be your desire. I constantly hoped, that it would 
hare been much earlier in my power, consistent with 
motives which I was not at liberty to disregard, to rcr- 
turn to that retirement from which I had been reluc- 
tantly drawn. The strength of my inclination to do 
this, previous to the last election, had even led to the 
preparation of an address to declare it to you; but 
mature reflection on the then perplf^ung and critical 
posture of our affairs with foreign nations, and the 
unanimous advice of persons entitled to my confi- 
dence, impelled me to abandon the idea. 

I rejoice that the state of your concerns, external 
•as well as internal, no longer renders the pursuit of 
inclination incompatible with the sentiment of duty, 
or propriety ; and am persuaded, whatever partiality 
may be retained for my services, that in the present 
•circumstances of our country, you will not disapprove 
my determination to retire. 

The impressions with which I first undertook the 
arduous trust, were explained on the proper occasion. 
Jn the discharge of this trust I will only say, that I 
have with goqd intentions, contributed towards the 
organization and administration of the government, 
the best exertions of which a very fallible judgment 
was capable. Not unconscious, in the outset, of the 
inferiority of my qualifications, experience in mvown 
eyes, perhaps still more in the eyes of others, has 
strengthened the motives to diffidence of myself; 
and every day the increasing weight of years admon* 
islies me more and more that the shade of retirement 


It 


LIFE OF WASHINGTON". 

»* as necessary to me as it will be welcome. Satisfied 
that if anv circumstances have given peculiar value 
to mv services, they were temporary, I have the con- 
solation to believe, that while choice and prudence 
Invite me to quit the political scene, patriotism does 
not forbid it. 

In, looking for ward to. the moment, which is intend- 
ed to., terminate the career of my public life, my feel- 
i mgs do, not permit me to. suspend the deep acknow - 
ledgment of that debt of gratitude which JL owe to my 
i beloved, country, for the many honours it has confer- 
red upon me ; still more for the sled fast confidence 
with which it has supported me ; and for the oppor- 
tunities I have thence enjoyed of manifesting my invi- 
olable attachment, by services faithful and perseve- 
ring, though in usefulness unequal to my zeal. If 
benefits have resulted to our couu.try from these ser- 
vices, let it always be remembered to yOUr praise and 
«s an. instructive example in our annals, that under 
circumstances in which the passions,. agitated in eve- 
ry directiortywere liable to mislead, amidst appear- 
ances sometimes. dubious — vicissitudes of fortune of- 
ten discouraging— -in, situations in which not unfre- 
quently waint of success- has countenanced the. spirit 
of criticism — the constancy of your support was the 
essential prop of the efforts, and- a guarantee of the 
plans by w hich. they were effected. 

Profoundly penetrated with this idea, I shall carry 
it w ith me to my grave, as a strong incitement to un- 
ceasing vows that Heaven rnay continue to you the 
choicest tokens of its beneficence — that vour union 
and brotherly affection may be perpetual — that the 
free constitution which is the work of your hands,, 
may be sacredly maintained — that its administration 
in every department may he stamped with wisdom 
and virtue — that, in fine, the happiness of tne people 
ofiihese States under the auspices of liberty, may be 
made complete, by so careful a preservation, and so 
prudent a use of this blessing, as w ill acquire to 
them the glory of recommending it to the applause. 


n LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 

the affection and the adoption of every nation which is 
yet a stranger to it. 

Here, perhaps, I ought to stop. 'But a solicitude 
for your welfare, which cannot end but with my life, 
and the apprehension of danger, natural to that soli- 
citude, urge me on an occasion like the present, to 
offer to your solemn contemplation, and to recom- 
mend to your frequent review, some sentiments, 
which are the result of much reflection, of no incon- 
siderable observation, and which appear to me all 
important to the permanency of your felicity as a 
People. These will he offered to you with the more 
freedom, as you can only see in them the disinterest* 
ed warnings of a parting friend, who can possibly 
have 110 personal motives to bias his council. Nor 
can L forget as an encouragement to it, your indul- 
gent reception of* my sentiments on a former and not 
dissimilar occasion. Interwoven as is the love of'lib- 
erty with every ligament of your hearts, no recom- 
mendation of mine is necessary to fortify or confirm 
the attachment. 

The unity of government, which constitutes v OU 
one people is also now dear to you. It is justly so; 
for it is a main pillar in the edifice of your real inde- 
pendence, the support of your tranquility at home* 
your peace abroad ; of your safety ; of your prosperi- 
ty : of that very liberty which you so highly prize. 

But as it is easy to foresee, that from different causes 
and from different quarters, mucli pains will be taken, 
many artifices employed to weaken in your minds the 
conviction of this truth ; as this is the point in your 
political fortress against which the batteries of in- 
ternal and external enemies will be most constantly 
and actively (though often covertly and insidiously) 
directed, it is of infinite moment that you should 
pr operly estimate the immense value of your national 
Union, to your collective and individual happiness • 
that you should cherish a cordial, habitual and im- 
moveable attachment to it ; accustoming yourselves 
to'tlunk and speak of it as the palladium of your po- 


LIFE OF WASHINGTON, t'Q 

iitical safety and prosperity ! watching for its pre- 
servation with jealous anxiety; discountenancing 
whatever may suggest even a suspicion that it can in 
any event be abandoned ; and indignantly frowning 
Upon the first dawning of every attempt to alienate 
any portion of our country from the rest ; or to en- 
feeble the sacred ties which now link together the 
Various parts. 

For tli is you have every inducement of sympathy 
and interest. Citizens by birth or choice, of a com- 
moircountry, that country has a right to concentrate 
\our affections. The name of American, which be- 
longs to you in your national capacity, must always 
exalt the just pride of patriotism, more than any ap- 
pellation derived from local discriminations. With 
slight shades of difference you have the same reli- 
gion, manners, habits and political principles. You 
have in a common cause fought and triumphed to- 
gether; the independence and liberty you possess^ 
are the work of joint councils, and joint efforts, ot 
common dangers, sufferings and successes. But 
these considerations, however powerfully they ad- 
dress themselves to your sensibility, are grbutly out- 
weighed by those which apply more immediately to 
vour interest' — Here every portion of our country 
finds the most commanding motives tor carefully 
guarding and preserving the union of the whole. 

The North, in an unrestrained intercourse with the 
South, protected by the equal laws of common govern- 
ment, finds in the productions of the latter great ad- 
ditional resources of maritime and commercial enter- 
prise and precious materials of manufacturing* indus- 
try. The South, in the same intercourse, benefiting 
by the agency of the North, sees its agriculture grow 
and its commerce expand. Turning partly into its 
own channels the seamen ef the North, it finds its par- 
ticular navigation invigorated ; and while it contri- 
butes, in different ways, to nourish and increase the 
general mass of the national navigation, it looks for- 
ward to the protection of a maritime strength, to 


8 *> LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 

which itself is unequally adapted. The East, iaa like 
intercourse with the West, already finds, and in the 
progressive improvement «,f interior- comraunica- 
tions by iand and* water, will more and more find a 
vent for the commodities which it brings from abroad 

Jh^ <U1 ^ aCtU r S at home ' The NVest derives from 
, dff, SU P pllcs ^q'lisitc to its growth and comfort 

mi^t nf ,S ?5 rhaps ^ eate1, consequence, it 

nec ^f Slt y « wc .^e secure enjoyment of indis-. 

weie-ht 6 infl 1 etS f ° r ? Wft productions, to the 
of the At| 9l l e ' 1CC j and the future maritime strength 

dissoh.M kn CSUle ° f t lG Ullion » directed by an in- 
dssoluble community of interests «s E xatioV. Any 

i v n T Y ^ tbe Wcst can hold this essen-. 
Gal advantage, whether derived from its own sepa- 
rate strength, or from an apostate and unnatural com 

precarious 0reiffn pow * K > must [)e intrinsically 

V' evy part of 0lIr country thus feels an 
immediate and particular interest in Union aU 
the parties combined cannot fail to find in the united 
mass of means and efforts, greater strength^rcater 
resources, proportionality .greater security tvom lZ 
terna! danger, a less frequent interruption of their 

^ue-[he°v rc r rf°- s ; ?**- vhat is n 

value, they must derive from- Union an exemntion 
from those broils and wars between tltSis 

not't*# ft rc d llc htly aiHict neighbouring countries* 
not tied together by the same government- which 

duc , e 0 h,' 1 twh !' ipS alo P e would he sufficient’ to pro- 
ft’ ' i " !? ' ««isa alliances, attach- 

Unnrt i i - U vvoul d stimulate and embitter — 
Hence likewise they will avoid the necessitv f 

m ' llita, y establishments, whic bunde any 

teter** n i,ia,is ' >ici »“ s -Ha: s 

publican Lfficrtv • in'lr J “ par ! )c, . ltail y hostile to Rc- 
onght to bTc™^ v ‘ S ,s * that your Union 

*nd that th^C^e o^oualliT 0 3 l°' ,r “ bert * 

«* preservation of theXr 8 *° - vou 


LIFE OF WASHINGTON. ftS 

These considerations speak a persuasive language 
to every reflecting and virtuous mind, and exhibit 
the continuance of the Union as a primary object of 
’patriotic desire. Is there a doubt whether a common 
, government can embrace so large a sphere ? Let ex 
perience solve it. To listen to mere speculation in 
such a ?ase were criminal. We are authorized to 
hope that a proper organization of the whole, with 
auxiliary agency of governments for the respective 
subdivisions, will afford a happy issue to the. 'experi- 
ment. ’Tis well worth a fair and full experiment.— 
With such powerful and obvious motives to union, 
affecting all parts of our country, while experience 
-shall not have demonstrated its impractibility, there 
will always be reason to distrust the patriotism of 
those, who in any quarter may endeavour to weaken its 
bands. 

In contemplating the cause which may disturb our 
Union, it occurs as a matter of serious concern that 
any ground should have been furnished for character- 
ising parties by geographical discriminations-— north- 
ern and .southern — -Atlantic and western — whence de - 
signing men may endeavour to excite a belief that 
there is areal difference of local interests and views. 
One of the expedients of party to acquire influence, 
within particular districts, is to misrepresent the opin- 
ions and aims of other districts- '' You cannot shield 
yourselves too much against the jealousies and heart 
burnings which spring from these misrepresentations ; 
they tend to render alien to each other those who 
ought to be bound together by fraternal affection. 
The inhabitants ef our western country have lately had 
a useful lesson on this head : they have seen, in the 
negotiation by the Executive, ancl in the unanimous 
ratification hv the Senate, of the treaty with Spain, 
and in the universal satisfaction at that event through- 
out the United States, a decisive proof how unfound- 
ed were the suspicions propagated among them of a 
policy in the General government, anel in the Atlantic 
States, unfriendly to their interests in regard to the 


32 


LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 

JEangsipfri •, they have been witnesses to the form* 

w?th°Sn *° trt f atl , cs > that with Great Britain and that 
witn hpain, which secure to them every tning they 
could desire, in respect to our foreign relates ul 
^ards confirming: their nrnsnpi>i*v u/:n ! i 


, v 1 

S wi.Zmt’Siv t * rOSPerity - ' it "Ot be 


.. . - ' the preservation of these ad 

WmTh eS ° n f f Uni ? n by whlch ^.v were procured •> 
Will they not henceforth be deaf to those advisers if 

bret h , 1 ; I ;r e r- who T ould *«»• 

nretiuen, and connect them with aliens ? 

o the efficacy and permanency of your Union a 
£«mment for the whole is indispensable. No alii! 
ances, however strict, between the parts, can be an 

the ?nf tC * ubst , ltu { e : they must inevitably experience 

inti, lnterru P tions w bich ill aUiances 

all times have experienced. Sensible of this 

°v U , 3 he U ,do,SZ V f e imprOTed ' “P* 
better y caitalaZ H “ con f“>.t.on of government 
„ Z frn L ff. y0Ur '*° rmer for “ bnimate 
’ nd to1 t " e efficacious management of vour 

iSfaD^- * % WHI> ener ®> ™> containing 

* undaTm l P ‘™TJZ± »«* 1-nts, haf 


O iust claim t„‘ you^tSe^^^ •*“ 

Respect authority, compliance 5 with ifs |I, V 7 

acquiescence in its measures. „r. ,1.,.: ‘ ; ■ “V» 


3«=aft=3Ea£^ 

nut, the constitution which at anv time eiisu i^ 

attsaiS5i=?!t - » 


sssfe-snas SsSH 


LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 83 

tountcracfe, or awe the regular deliberation and^c- 
tion of the constituted authorities, are destruct.iv? 0 f 
this fundamental principle, and of fatal tendency _ 
^fliey serve to organize faction, to give it an artificd. 
and extraordinary force — to put in the place of tl>. 
delegated will of the nation, the will of a party, oftei 
a small but artful and enterprising minority of the 
community; and, according to the alternate triumphs 
of different parties to make the public administration 
the mirror of the ill-concerted and incongruous pro- 
jects of factions, rather than the organ of consistent 
and wholesome plans digested by common councils, 
and modified by mutual interests. However combi- 
nations or associations of the above description may 
now and then answer popular ends, they are likely in 
the course of time and things to become potent en- 
gines, by which cunning, ambitious and unprincipled 
men will be enabled to subvert the power of the peo- 
ple, and to usurp to themselves the reins of govern- 
ment ; destroying -afterwards the very engines which 
have lifted them to unjust dominion. 

.Towards the preservation of your government, and 
the permanency of your present happy state, it is re- 
quisite, not only that you speedily discountenance ir- 
regular oppositions to its acknowledged authority, 
iut also that you resist with care the spirit of innova- 
tion upon its' principles, however specious the pre- 
texts. One method of assault may be to effect in the 
forms of the constitution alterations which will inr- 
)air the energy of the system, and thus to undermine 
vhat cannot be directly overthrown. In all the 
changes to which you may be invited, remember that 
ime and habit are at least as necessary to fix the true 
;haracter of governments, as of other human institu- 
j ons — that experience is the surest standard, by 
jrhich to test the real tendency of tho existing consti- 
ution of a country— that facility in changes upon the 
rcdit or mere hypothesis opinion, exposes to> 
lerpetual change from the endless variety of hv« 
lothesis and opinion ; and remember, especial- 
ly that for the efficient management of your com- 


84 / LIFE OF WASHINGTON 4 . 


rrcor 


interests, in a country so extensive as ours, a 
lnmc>nt of as much vigour as is consistent 
viy the perfect security of liberty, is indispensable. 
I.iJcrty itself will find in such a government, with 
ers properly distributed and adjusted* its surest 
irdian. It is, indeed, little else than a name 
tlm government is too feeble to withstand the 
/nterprizes. of faction, to confine each member- of the 
society within the limits, prescribed by the laws, and 
to maintain all in- the secure and tranquil enjoy merit 
of the rights of person and property. 

I have already intimated to you, the danger of par- 
ties in the state, with particular reference to the 
founding of them on geographical discriminations.-^ 
i.et me now take a more comprehensive view, and 
warn you in the most solemn manner against the 
baneful effects of tiie spirit of party, generally. This 
spirit, unfortunately, is inseparable from our nature, 
having its root in the strongest passions of the hu- 
man nnnd. It exists under different shapes in all 
governments, more or less stifled, controlled, or re- 
pressed ; but in those of the popular form, it is seen 
in its greatest rankness, and is truly their worst en- 
emy. The alternate domination, of one faction over 
another, sharpened by the spirit; of revenge, naturae 
to party dissention, which, in different ages and 
countries, has perpetrated the most h.omd'enormi- 
ties, is itself frightful despotism. Hut this leads at 
length to a more formal and permanent despotism,— 
ilie disorders and miseries, which result, gradually 
incline the minds of men to seek security and re, 
pose in the absolute power of an individual • and 
sooner or later the chief of some prevailing faction 
more able or more fortunate than his competitors 
tuins tins despotism to the purposes of his own ele- 
vation, on the ruins of public liberty. 

Without looking forward to an extremity of this 
kind (which nevertheless ought not to be entirely 
out of sight) the common and continual mischiefs of 
the spirit of party are sufficient to make it the info’-- 


85 


LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 

s est and duly of a wise people to discourage r.*jd res- 
it train it. It serves always to distract the publiecoun- 
oils and enfeeble the public administration ft agi- 
ii t ate s the community with ill-founded jealousies and 
it false alarms : kindles the animosity of one part 
e j against another, foments occasionally riot and iniur- 
e rection. It opens the door to foreign influence *.pd 
e corruption, which finds a facilitated access to the gov- 
(1 < rnment itself through the channels of party passions, 
it Thus the policy and the will of one country are sub- 
jected to the policy and will of another 

■ There is an opinion that parties in free countries 
i are useful checks upon the administration of the 

• government, and serve to keep alive the spirit of lib. 
i erty. This within certain limits is probably true ; 

: ' and in governments of a monarchical cast, patriotism 
s may look with indulgence, if not with favour, upon 
, the spirit of party. But in those of a popular charac- 

■ ter, \n governments purely elective, it u a spirit not. 
i to be encouraged From their natural tendency, it is 

• certain there will always be enough of that spirit for 
i every salutary purpose. And there being constant 

danger of excess, the effort ought to be by force of 
' public opinion, to mitigate and assuage it. A fire 
i not to be quenched ; it demands a uniform vigilance to 
. prevent its bursting into a flame, lest, instead of 
warming, it should consume 

It is important likewise, that the habits of think- 
ing in a free country, should inspire caution, in those 
intrusted with its administration, to confine them- 
selves within their respective constitutional spheres, 
avoiding in the exercise of the powers of one depart- 
ment to encroach upon another. The spirit of en- 
croachment tends to consolidate the powers of ail the 
departments in one, and create, whatever the form of 
government, a real despotism. A just estimate of 
that love of power, and proneness to abuse it, which 
predominates in the human heart is sufficient to satis- 
fy us of the truth of this position. The necessity o\ 
reciprocal checks in the exercise of political power, 


SO /LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 


B ig and distributing it into different depe- 
nd constituting each the guardian of public 
st invasions by the others, has been evinced 
nents ancient and modern ; some of them 
itry and under our own eyes. To preserve 
t be as necessary as to institute them If- 
}ion of the people, the distribution or mod- 
the constitutional powers be in any par- 
ang, let it be corrected by an amendment 
which the constitution designates. But 
. v ~e no change by usurpation ; for though this, 
in one instance, may be the instrument of good, it is 
the customary weapon by which free governments 
are destroyed. The precedent must always greatly 
overbalance m permanent evil, any partial or tran- 
hient benefit which the use can at any time yield. 

all the dispositions and habits which lead 1 6 
political prosperity, religion and morality are indis- 

di C rt a Jhf If SUPP ° rt / “ ln Va [ n Would that man claim 
t / 0i >vho should labour to sub- 

vert these great pilLars of human happiness, diese 
firmest props of the duties of men and citizens The 
mere politician equally with the pious man. might to 

trace a n a tf - 9 chensl \ them. A volume could not 
t.accaU their connections with private and public 
Ichcity. Let it simply be asked, where is thesecu 
nty for property, for reputation, for life, if the sense 
ot religious obligation Desekt the oaths, which are 
the instruments of investigation in courts of justice • 
and let us with caution indulge ihe suppJitbnthat 
moiality can be maintained without religion. What 

cISTon m' C ?“ ce , ded l " the influen « of refined edu- 

peSnce both f 9 w structure ■ *»»on and ex- 

perience both forbid us to expect that national morali- 

ty canprevad in exclusion of religious principle ’Tis 

substantially true, that virtue or morality is a’reces 

Ixtends’ w1lh n,o pUlar f Ver " ment - The rule indeed 
extends with more or less force to every species of 

government. Who that is a sincere fAend to ir 


LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 87 

cian look with indifference upon the attempts to shake 
; the foundation of the fabric ? 

Promote then, as an object of primary importance, 

* institutions for the general diffusion of knowledge. — 

: la proportion as the structure of a government gives 

force to public opinion, it is essential that public 
opinion should be enlightened. As a very important 
source of strength and security, cherish public credit, 
one method of preserving it is to use it as sparingly as 
1 possible: avoiding occasions of expense bv cultiva- 
; ting peace ; but remembering also that timely dis- 

* bursements to prepare for danger, frequently prevent 
' much greater disbursements to repel it ; avoiding 

likewise the accumulations of debt, not only by shun- 
aing occasions of expense, but by vigorous exertions 
in time of peace to discharge the debts which una 
voiding wars may have occasioned, not ungenerously 
throwing upon posterity the burden which we our- 
selves ought to bear. The execution of these max- 
ims belongs to your representatives, but it is neces- 
sary that public opinion should co-operate. To facili- 
tate to them the performance of their duty, it is es- 
sential that you should practically bear in mind, that 
towards the payment of debts there must be revenue t 
to have revenue there must be taxes : that no taxes 
can be devised which are not more or less inconveni- 
ent and unpleasant ; that the intrinsic embarrassment 
inseparable fi’om the selection of the proper object 
(which is always a choice of difficulties) ought to be 
a decisive motive for a candid construction o* the 
conduct of the government in making it, and for a 
spirit of acquiescence in the measures for obtaining 
revenue which the public exigencies may at any time 
dictate. 

Observe good faith and justice towards all nations * 
cultivate peace and harmony with all ; religion and 
morality enjoin this conduct ; and can it be that goocj. 
policy does not equally enjoin it? It will be worthy 
of a free, enlightened, and at no distant period, a 
great nation, to give to mankind the magnanimous 


SB 


LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 


and too novel example of a people ahrv.’s guided by 
an exalted justice and benevolence. Who can doubt 
that in the course of time and thing’s, the fruits of 
such a plan would richly repay anv temporary advan- 
tages which might be lost by a steady adherence to 
it JCan it be, that Providence has not connected the 
permanent felicity of a nation with its virtue ? The 
experiment, at least, is recommended by every senti- 
ment which ennobles human nature. * Alas ! is it 
rendered impossible by its vices ? 

In the execution of such a plan, nothing is more 
essential than that permanent inveterate antipathies 
against particular nations, and passionate attach- 
ments for others should be excluded, and that in 
piace of them just and amicable feelings towards all 
should be cultivated I'he nation, which indulges 
towards another an habitual hatred, or an habitual 
fondness, is m some degree a slave. It is a slave to 
its animosity or to its affection, either of which is 
sufficient to lead it astray from its duty and its inter- 
«st. Antipathy in one nation against another dispos- 
cs each more readily to offer insult and injury, to lay 
Iio.d of slight causes of umbrage, and to be 'haughty 
and un tract abie, when accidental, or trifling occa- 
sions of dispute occur. Hence frequent collisions 
oostinate, envenomed and bloody contests. The na- 
tion prompted by ill-will am! resentment, sometimes 
impels to war the government, contrary to the best 
cumulations of policy. The government sometimes 
part. ci pates m the national propensity, and adopts 
thiough passion what reason would reject; at other 
times, it makes the animosity of the nation subser- 
vient to projects of hostility instigated by pride, am- 

b it. ion, and other sinister and pernicious’ motives. 

le peace Oi ten, sometimes perhaps the liberty of 
nations lias been the victim. • ^ 

. So li^wise a passionate attachment of one nation 

;. or a . not j li ‘ 1 ' P 1 ‘ odu ces a variety of evils. Sympathy 

^f^ V ° Urite nal - i0n ’ f ‘ icildatin g the illusion of an 

imaginary common interest, in qjisos where rip 


LIFE OF WASHINGTON*. 88 

1 common interest exists, and infusing into One tne 
* enmities of the other, betrays the former into a parti- 
cipation in the quarrels and wars of the latter, with- 
0 out adequate inducement or justification. It leads 
e also to concessions to the favourite nation of privile- 
e ces denied to others, which is apt doubly to injure 
the nation making the concessions, by unnecessarily 
parting with what ought to have been retained ; ami 
by exciting jealousy, ill-will, and a disposition to re- 
taliate, in the parties from whom equal privileges are 
withheld : and it gives to ambitious, corrupted, or 
deluded citizens (who devote themselves to the fa- 
, vorite nation) facility to betray or sacrifice the inter- 
j csts of their country, without odium, sometimes even 
. with popularity ; gilding with the appearance of a 
; virtuous sense of obligation, a commendable defer- 
, ence for public opinion, or a laudable zeal for public 
good, the base or foolish compliances of ambition, 
corruption or infatuation. 

As avenues to foreign influence in innumerable 
ways, such attachments are particularly alarming to 
the truly enlightened and independent patriot. How 
many opportunities do they aifierd to tamper with 
domestic factions^ to practice the arts of seduction, 
to mislead public opinion,, to influence or awe the 
public councils! Such an attachment of small or 
weak, towards a great and powerful nation, dooms the 
former to be the satellite of the latter. Against the 
insiduous wiles of foreign influence, (I conjure you to 
believe me, fellow-citizens) the jealousy of a free 
people ought to be co > stai«tly awake; since ; history 
and experience prove that foreign influence is one of 
the most baneful foes of republican government. But 
that jealousy, to be useful, must be impartial : else 
it becomes 'the instrumeut of the very influence to 
be avoided, instead of a defence against it. Exces- 
sive partiality for one foreign nation, and excessive 
dislike of another, cause those whom they actuate 
to see danger only on one side, and serve to ve.l and 
even second the arts of influence on the other. Real 
II 2 


90 


LIFE OF WASHINGTON 


patriots, who may resist the intrigues of the favorite, 
are liable to become suspected and odious ; while its 

tools; flnr! flrmac nonm i 1 .... 1 . . n 7 r 


^ aim ouiuus ; wmie 11. *5 

tools and dupes usurp the applause and confidence of 
eople, to surrender their interests. The great 
f conduct for 119- 111 rPWJlI’fl tn nrn notmr.o * o 


the people, _ u , h , 1 m 1 uc 1 «a». me great 

rule of conduct for us, in regard to foreign nations, is, 
in extending our commercial relation, to have will*, 
them as little rouTicAi, connexion as possible. So far 
as we have already formed engagements, let them be 
fulfilled with perfect good faith— Here let us stop. 

Europe has a set of primary interests, which to us. 
have none, or a very remote relation. Hence she 

must be engaged in frequent controversies, the cans- 
esot which . 


o i*i^^ . ''jue.uL ci piLs^ Liic caus* 

es ot which are essentially foreign to our concerns 

ence, therefore, it must be unwise in us to imp!!- 

rafp niircAlirAt. K.r i • .i , . . 


~ iv uiuai u C unwise in us 10 impli 

cate ourselves by artificial ties, in the ordinary vicis. 
situdes of her polities, or the ordinary combinations 
and collisions of her friendships, or enmities. - Our 
detached and distant situation invites and enables us 
to pursue a different course. If we remain one peo- 
ple, under an efficient government, the period is not 
far of, when we may defy material injury from exter- 
nal annoyance; when we may take such an attitude 
as will cause the neutrality, we may at anv time re- 
solve upon, to be scrupulously respected ; when bel- 
ligerent nations, under the impossibility of making- 
acquisitions upon us, will not lightly hazard the giv- 
ing us provocation ; when we may choose peace or 
w 1 ? S r mte f St ’ guided by justice, shall counsel. 

tinn V i y m 5 ” ' he . adva “ ,a e es of s » peculiar a situs- 
Why quit our own to stand upon foreign 

fhu of ‘ Wh) ; b ? i nterweavin 8‘ om ' destiny with 
that of any part of Europe, entangle our pea'ce and 

S P hfn P InSr",' i* he ‘° ils of E V r0 P ean ambition, rival, 
ship, interest humor or caprice > ’Tis our true poli- 

cy to steer clear of permanent alliances, with any 
portion of the foreign world; so far, I mean, as we 
are now at liberty to do it for let me not be under- 
stood as capable of patronizing infid. lily to existin'- 
engagements. 1 hold the maxim no less applicable to 
public than to private affairs, that honesty^ ^, vay9 


LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 01 

the best policy. I repeat it, therefore, let those en- 
gagements he observed in their genuine sense. But, 
in my opinion, it is unnecessary, and would be unwise 
to extend them. Taking care always to keep our- 
selves, by suitable establishments, on a respectable 
defensive posture, we may safely trust to temporary 
alliances for extraordinary emergencies. 

Harmony, liberal intercourse with all nations are 
recommended by policy, humanity, and interest. But 
even our commercial policy should hold an equal and 
impartial hand; neither seeking nor granting exclu- 
sive favours or preferences ; consulting the natural 
course of things, diffusing and diversifying by gen- 
tle means the streams of commerce, but forcing noth- 
ing; establishing, with powers so disposed, in order 
to give trade a stable course, to define the rights of 
our merchants, and to enable the government to sup- 
port them, conventional rules of intercourse, tl*e. best 
that present circumstances and mutual opinion will 
permit, but temporary, and liable to be from time to 
time abandoned or varied, as experience and circum- 
stances shall dictate; constantly keeping in view, 
that ’tis folly in one nation to look for disinterested 
favors from another ; that it must pay with a portion 
©fits independence for whatever it may accept under 
that character ; thatby such acceptance, it may place 
itself in the condition of having given equivalents for 
nominal favours, and yet of being reproached with 
ingratitude for not giving more. There can be no 
greater error than to expect, or calculate upon real 
favours from nation to nation. ’Tis an illusion which 
experience must cure, which a just pride ought to 
discard. 

In offering to you, my countrymen, these counsels 
of an old affectionate iiiend, I dare not hope they will 
make the strong and lasting impression 1 could 
wish : that they will controul the usual current of the 
passions, or prevent our nation from running the 
course which has hitherto vnarked the destiny of na- 
' ions : .Hut if I mfty evan flatter myself, that they 


92 


LIFE OF WASHINGTON 

may be producti ve of some partial benefit, some occa. 
sional good ; that they may now and then recur to 
moderate the fury of party spirit, to warn against the 
mischiefs of foreign intrigues, and guard against the 
impostures of pretended patriotism ; this hope will 
be a full recompense for the solicitude for your wed 
ware, by which they have been dictated. How far in 
the discharge of my official duties, I have been guid 
ed by the principles which have been cl dineated, the 
public records and other evidences of my conduct 
must witness to you and to the world. To myself, 
the assurance o f ' my own conscience is, that I have at 
least believed myself to be guided by them. 

In relation to the still subsisting war in Europe, 
my proclamation of the 23d of April, 1793, is the. in- 
dex to my plan Sanctioned by your approving voice 
and by that of your representatives in both houses of 
congress, the spirit or that measure has continually 
governed me ; uninfluenced by any attempt to deter 
or divert me from it. After deliberate examination, 
with the aid of the best lights I could obtain, I was 
well satisfied that our country, under all the circum- 
stances of the case, had a right to take, and was 
bound in duty and interest, to take a neutral position. 
Having taken it, I determined, as far as should de- 
pend upon me, to maintain it with moderation, per 
severance, and firmness. 

The consideration which respects the right to hold 
the conduct, it is not necessary on this occasion to 
detail. I will only observe, that, according to my 
understanding of the matter, that right, so far from 
being denied by any of the belligerent powers, has 
been virtually admitted by all. The duty of holding 
a neutral conduct may be inferred, without any thing 
more, from the obligations which justice and human- 
ity impose upon every nation, in cases in which it is 
free to act, to maintain inviolate the relations of 
peace and amity towards other nations. The induce- 
ments of interest for observing Jhat conduct will best 
be referred to your own reflections and experience. — 


LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 9$ 

With me, a predominant motive has been to endea- 
vour to gain time to our country to settle and mature 
its yet recent institutions, and tp progress without 
interruption, to that degree of strength and consist- 
ency, which is necessary to give it, humanly speak- 
ing, the command of its own fortunes. 

Though in reviewing the incidents of my adminis- 
tration, I am unconscious of intentional error: I am 
nevertheless too sensible of my defects not to think 
it probable that I may have committed many errors. 
■Whatever they may be, I fervently beseech the Al- 
mighty to avert or mitigate the evils to which they 
may tend. 1 shall also carry with me the hope that 
my country will never cease to view them with in- 
dulgence ; and that- after forty-five years of my life 
dedicated to its service, with an upright zeal, the 
faults of incompetent abilities will be consigned to 
oblivion, as myself must soon be to the mansions of 
rest. Relying on its kindness in this as in the other 
things, and actuated by that fervent love towards it, 
which is so natural to a man, who views in it t tlie na- 
tive toil of himself and liis progenitors for several 
generations ; I anticipate with pleasing expectation 
that retreat, in which I promise myself to realize, 
without alloy, the sweet enjoyment of partaking, in 
the midst of my fellow-citizens, the benign influence 
of good laws under a free government— the ever 
favourite object of my heart, and the happy reward, 
as I trust, of our multjai cares, labors and dangers. 

G. WASHINGTON. 



SIR WILLIAM WALLACE’S BOX. t 

Philadelphia , 4th Jan. 1792. 

Ox Friday last Was presented to the President of 
the United States, George Washington, a Box, ele- 
gantly mounted with silver, and made Of the eelebra- 


«4 LIFE OF WASHINGTON'. 

ted oak tree that sheltered the patriotic Sir William 
Wallace, of Scotland, after the unfortunate battle of I 
Falkirk, about the year 1300. This very curious and li 
characteristica) present is from the Earl of Buchan, 
by the hand of Mr. Archibald Robertson, a Scotch 
gentleman, and a portrait painter, who arrived in 
America some months ago. The Box was presented 
to Lord Buchan by the Goldsmiths Company ofEdin- 
burgh ; from which his Lordship requested, and ob- 
tained leave, to make it over to the Man whom he 
deemed more deserving of it than himself, and George 
Washington -was the man. 

W e further learn, that Lord Buchan has requested 
of the President, that, on the event of his decease j 
he will consign the Box to that Man in this Country , \ 
who shall appear, in his judgment, to merit it best, 
upon the same considerations that induced him to j 
5 end it to America. 

Upon the Box, which is curiously wrought, is a sil- I 
ver plate with the following inscription : “ Presented 
by the Goldsmiths of Edinburgh to David Stewart Ers - I 
kine, Earl of Buchan , with the Freedom of their Corpo- I 
ration t by their Deacon— A. D. 179 1” 


Copy of the Letter from Lord Buchan to Gen. Wash- 
ington, accompanying the Box. 

Dry burgh Abbey , June 28, 1791. 

“ Sin, 

“ I had the honour to receive your Excellency’s 
letter relating to the advertisement of Dr. Anderson’s 
periodical publication in the Gazette of the United 
Staten ; which attention to my recommendation I 
leel very sensibly, and return you my grateful ac- 
knowledgments. ‘ 

“ In the 21st number of that literary Miscellany, I 
inserted a monitory paper respecting America, which 
I flatter myself, may, if attended to on the other side 
of the At lantic, be productive of good consequences. 


LIFE OP WASHINGTON. 95 

“To u s e your own emphatic words, “May that 
Almighty Being 1 , who rules over the Universe — who 
presides in the Councils of Nations— and whose pro 
vidential aid can supply every human defect, conse- 
crate to the Liberties and Happines, of the Ameri- 
can people, a government instituted by themselves 
for public and private security, upon the’basis of Law 
and equal administration of Justice, preserving to ev~ 
ciy individual as much civil and political freedom as 
is consistent with the safety of the Nation.”— And 
may he be pleased to continue your life and strength 
as long as you can he in any way useful to your 
Country ! * <> 

“ I have entrusted this sheet inclosed in a Box, 
made of the Oak that sheltered our Great Sir William 
Wallace, after the battle of Falkirk, to Mr. Robert- 
son, of Aberdeen, a Painter, with the hope of his hav- 
ing the honour of delivering it. into your hand ; re- 
commending him as nn able Artist, seeking for for- 
tune and lame in the New World. This box was pre- 
sented to me by the Goldsmith’s. Company at Edin 
burgh, of whom, feeling my own un worthiness to re- 
ceive this magnificently Significant present, I re- 
quested and obtained leave to make it over to the man 
in the world to whom I thought it most justly due. Into 
your hands I commit it, requesting of you to pass it, on 
the event of your decease, to the Man in your own 
country who shall appear to your judgment to merit 
it best, upon the same considerations that have indu 
ced me to send it to your Excellency. 

tc I am, Sir, with the highest esteem. 

Your Excellency’s most obedient. 

And obliged humble servant, 

‘ BUCIIAN, 

“ P. S. 1 beg your Excellency will have the 

goodness to send me your Portrait, that l may place 

.it. among those I most, honour, and I would wish, r 


96 


LIFE OF WASHINGTON, 

from the pencil of Mr. Robert son. I beg leave to re 
commend him to your countenance, as he has been 
mentioned to me favourably by my worthy friend. 
Professor Ogilvie, of King’s College, Aberdeen.” 


Gen. .Washixgtox’s Axsweh, 

Philadelphia , ls£ 'May, IT 92 

My Lord, 

u 1 should have had the honour of acknowledging 
sooner the receipt of your letter of the :23th of June 
last, had I not concluded to defer doing it till I could 
announce to you the transmission of my portrait, 
which has just been finished by Mr* Robertson (of 
New-York) who has also undertaken to forward it — 
The manner of the execution of it does no discredit, 
I am told, to the artist, of whose skill favourable 
mention has been made to me, I was further indu- 
ced to entrust the execution of it to Mr. Robertson, 
from his having informed me that he had drawn others 
for your Lordship, and knew the size which best suit- 
ed your collection. 

“I accept with sensibility and with satisfaction, 
the significant present of the box which accompanied 
your Lordship’s letter. 

“ Tn yielding the tribute due from every lover of 
mankind to the patriotic and heroic virtues of which 
it is commemorative, l estimate, as l ought, the addi- 
tional value w hich it derives from the hand that sent 
it, and my obligations for the sentiments that induced 
the transfer. 

“ I will, however, ask that you ‘will exempt me 
from the compliance wit a the request relating to its 
eventual destination. 

“ In an attempt to execute your wish in this par 
ticular, I should feel embarrassment from a just com 


LIFE OF WASHINGTON. M 

parison of relative pretensions, and fear to risk injus- 
tice by so marked a preference. 

“ With sentiments of the truest esteem and con” 
sideration, I remain your Lordship’s most 
obedient servant, 

“ G. WASHINGTON.” 

- ' Earl of Buchan . 

Extract from Gen. Washington’s Win,. 

Item — To the Earl of Buchan I re -comm it ** the 
Box ma^e of the Oak that sheltered the brave Sir 
William Wallace after the battle of Falkirk,” pre- 
sented to me by his Lordship in terms too flattering 
forme to repeat, with a request “to pass it, on the 
event of my decease, to the man in my country who 
appeared to merit it best, upon the same conditions 
that have induced him to send it to me. — Whether 
easy or not, to select the Man who might comport 
with his Lordship’s opinion in this respect, is not for 
me to say : but conceiving that no disposition of this 
valuable curiosity can be more eligible than the re- 
commitment of it to his own cabinet, agreeably to 
the original design of the Goldsmith’s Company of 
Edinburgh, who presented' it to him, and at his re- 
quest consented that it should be transfered to me 

I do give and bequeath the same to his Lordship * 
and in case of his decease to his heir, with my grate* 
fal thanks for the distinguished honour of presenting 
it to me, and more especially for the favourable senti- 
ments with which he accompanied it. 


CHARACTER OF WASHINGTON. 

(By a Scotch Traveller.) 

In no one thing has the world been so much de- 
ceived, as in the article of what is commonly called 
Great Men. Most of them, upon a nearer and closer 


98 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 

inspection, -have been found to be either great hypa , 
cri es, or great robbers ! — Not so the man whose! 
character is now attempted to be delineated. — Whe-j , 
ther in public or in private, lie was still the same i 
and in' that humble, but useful and honourable era- 1 
ployment, a Farmer, he pointed the way to Fortune, 
as, in his public capacities, he had pointed the way , 
to Fame ; eminently proving, in his own person, the 
difference between system of method aad economy, ^ 
and a course of idleness and dissipation. ' 

By liis regular and economical conduct, Mr. Wash- 
ingtori became one of the most extensive and opulent 
Farmers on the continent. He had about 10,000 acres 1 
of land attached to his seat of Mount Vernon, where! 
he combined theory with practice, and by successive 
improvements, rendered his grounds highly produc- 
tive. Including his household servants, and those 
who worked upon the farm, he daily maintained about 
1000 persons, all of whom moved and acted accord, 
ing to the rules of a strict, but beneficent system. — 
Like a well regulated clock, the whole machine mov- 
ed in perfect time and order — The effects were, that 
he was completely independent, and died possessed 
of a great property. It does not appear that Mr. 
Washington’s education was either classical or ex- 
tensive ; a knowledge of the English language, with 
■ a portion of geography and mathematics, seem to 
have been the whole of his juvenile- improvements. 
Although his grammatical instructions could not be 
very accurate, he notwith stand ing, attained, by dint of I 
study and observation, a proficiency in the writing 
of English, smooth, uniform, and even dignified —lie! 
wrote in a style that has extorted the approbation ot 
the most fastidious critics. He is an eminent proof, 
that a man may become an able General without hav- 
ing read Caesar in the original, and an able politician, 
without having studied either the Greek or Roman 
authors. 

With a tall, majestic person, and a manly counte- 


LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 09 

J nance, he had a strong but well governed mind — his 
* perceptions were not quick, but when once he did 
iitke a position, it was generally well chosen, and 
fifisly adhered to — Neither wit nor vivacity brighten- 
J cd his features ; it was a face of care, of thought, and 
of caution ; all was calmness and deliberation — • 
J Washington’s great forte was prudence, or discre- 
c lion ; it covered him like a shield in the hour of dan- 
ger, and it Was his sure guide in the day of prosperi- 
ty ; by this single talent he acquired all his wealth, 
and obtained all his celebrity.— Whilst he fulfilled all 
the relative duties, he was obedient to every tempe- 
| rate rule, and every moral principle ; and knowing its 
vast importance both to individual and national hap- 
piness, he paid a proper respect to the observances 
of Religion. 


Extract from a discourse , delivered at Woodbury , in 
JVeio- Jersey, on the death of General George Wash- 
ington. By John Cr.oesy A. JW. rector of 'Trinity 
Churchy at Sivedesborovgh. 

That great and good man, that first of citizens, and 
first of heroes, u 6 ! how my heart trembles to relate 
it !” is gone, irrevocably gone, to the mansions of 
the dead ! His fine majestic form, so expressive of 
native dignity ; his mild but animated countenance, 
so true an index of the excellencies of his mind ; that 
corporeal mansion, in which he ran his glorious earth- 
ly race, has ceased to be the habitation of his immor- 
tal part, and, like all terrestrial things, is now rapid- 
ly decaying, and mouldering to its native dust— 
Alas ! no more shall we see that interesting figure, 
that placid but manly face; to behold which was the 
luxury of curiosity, and the pride and delight of the 
heart’ No more shall the music of his voice charm 
our admiring ears. Ah ! no more shall our gallant 
soldiers follow their Washington to victory and fame 


voo LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 

No more shall the influence of his name be the pal- 
ladium of our republic, and the terror of faction 
The loss we have sustained, according to our finite 
calculations, is truly immense and irreparable. No 
mortal’s death, since the existence of man, has been ; 
more sincerely and universally deplored. But while 
we grieve for the excessive calamity we have experi- 
enced, let us remember, that death is inseparable 
from our nature: that nothing within the limits of 
human excellence and attainments, can rescue any 
one from that inevitable fate which awaits us all : 
that if the summit of human glory, if the brightest 
virtues of man, if the tears and supplications of a j 
nation, if the respect and applauses of a world , in j 
fine, if the whole assemblage of mortal honors and 
perfections could have revoked that destiny of our j 
nature, Washington, our glory and our delight, would ! 
not have died. Under the impression of this self. ! 
evident truth, however excessive our loss, we should j 
not repine ; hut, with entire resignation, consider that 
the ways of heaven, though inextricable by our limit- 
ed capacities, are notwithstanding fraught with infi- 
nite wisdom, and consummate goodness. Let us there- 
fore, dry up our tears, and while we cordially and 
cheerfully submit to a dispensation of providence so 
peculiarly afflictive, let us make our grateful acknow- 
ledgements to the source of all good for his distin- 
guishing favour, in sparing, so long, a life so precious 
and so useful. 

Shall we stop here, my respected audience, and 
seek no further for an alleviation of our sorrow ? 
Are there not consolations more ample and joyful vet 
remaining ? Yes, infinitely more. Our Washixoto^ 
is not dead 1 

ci Dignum kiude -drum muga vet at mart. Ccelo mv*a 

beau"* 


Horace . 


LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 101 

He lias only exchanged a world of temptation and 
woe, for a world of bliss and glory eternal. “Iam 
the resurrection and the life saith our Lord, “ he 
that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall 
lie live; and whosoever liveth and believeth in me, 
shall never die”. -Having devoted a life, full of years 
to the most honourable and beneficial offices ; hav- 
ing been the bulwark of his country in war, and her 
mentor in time of peace, and having set the purest 
and brightest examples of virtue and piety, before 
his successors, before his countrymen and the world, 
his course being finished, he left all that was mortal 
behind him. and soared like a cherub to the realms 
of perpetual day - t/ and is now resting, we trust, in the 
bosom of his Saviour and God, and enjoying the sweet 
rewards of h s well-spent life. 

O divine revelation ! who openest to us such en- 
chanting hopes, who affordest us sucli sources of real 
consolation in the calamity we deplore, and in others 
of a similar nature ; may we, like that incomparable 
man, never forsake thy luminous, thy heart-cheering 
paths, for the dark, gloomy and uncomfortable mazes 
of infidelity and doubt. 

Having, therefore, such ample reasons to be satisfi- 
ed with this dispensation of heaven, and to be resign- 
ed to uis will, “ whose wisdom is unerring, and 
whose goodness is unchangeable and everlasting,” 
will it be considered an improper conclusion to direct 
our attention, for a moment, to the solemn event of 
our own deaths ? We have seen that no virtues, how- 
ever excellent ; no services, however beneficial and 
extensive ; no honours, however numerous and grand, 
can deliver us from the power of the king of terrors. 
Die we must. It becomes then a subject of serious 
concern to us. whether or not we are prepared to fol- 
low our beloved and admired brother into the world 
of happy spirits. That we may draw a just conclu- 
sion, let us remember, that it is by the arduous path 
of faith, piety, and benevolence, we must climb the 
heavenly mount. The beaten road of unbelief, un- 


K>2 LIFE OF WASHINGTON, 

godliness and immorality leads directly down to the 
-shades of eternal death. 

If heaven be our object, we must follow the path 
that conducts to it. if we hope again to behold our 
beloved and much lamented Washington, we must jj 
live as Washington lived. V We must deny ungodli- 
ness and worldly lusts, and live soberly, righteously, 
and godly in this present wo. 'id/* Thrice happy 
they, who undeviatingly pursue this sublime course l 
At that awful hour, so tremendous to the wicked, 
they may say, with composure, as our Washington 
said in his last moments ; “I have no fear to die.” — 

O blessed exit ! how devoutly to be desired! May in- 
finite goodness make ours as happy ! 


^Extract f;om an oration on the death of General Geougjs 
Washixotox, delivered in Alexandria y at the' request 
o f the committee of arrangement. By Doctor Dlisha 
Cullen Dick. 

Forn millions of the human race, free in their 
thoughts and affections — unrestrained in their actions, 
widely dispersed over an extensive portion of the 
hab - Ide globe, are seen devoted to a single purpose ; 
a people detached by local causes — actuated in com- 
mon life by opposite views, or rivals in the pursuit of 
similar objects ; — jealous in all other matters of gen- 
eral concern — are offering the tribute of affection to 
the memory of their common friend. In vain shall we 
examine the records of antiquity for its parallel—- 
Worth so transcendent as to merit universal homage, 
with a correspondent desire to bestow it, mark an 
event in the history of our country, that may be con- 
sidered as a phenomenon in the annals of man. 

Modest and unassuming, ye i dignified in his man- 
ners — aecessable and communicative ; yet superior 
to familiarity, he inspired and preserved the love and 


LIF£ OF WASHINGTON. 


103 


j respect of all who knew him. For the promotion of 
all public and useful undertaking-, he was singularly 
I munificent. The indig-ent and distressed were at all 
J times subjects of his sympathy and concern. His 
charity flowed in quiet but constant streams, from a 
fountain that was at no time suffered to sustain the 
smallest diminution. No pursuit or avocation, how- 
ever momentous, was permitted to interrupt his sys- 
tematic attention to the children of want. His anx- 
ious solicitude on this score is pathetically exemplifi- 
ed in a letter written in 1775, at a time when the un- 
organized state of the army might have demanded 
his exclusive concern. Addressing himself to the 
late Lund Washington, he writes — ‘‘Let the hospital- 
“ ity of the house be kept with respect to the poor. 
“ Let no one go away hungry. If any of this kind of 
“ people should be in want of corn, supply their ne- 
** cessities, provided it does not encourage them in 
“ idleness. I have no objection to your giving my 
“ money in charity, when you think it will be well 
“ bestowed. I mean that it is my desire, that it 

should be done. You are to consider that neither 
“ mvsclf nor my wife are now in the way to do these 
“ good offices.” 

Such, my fellow-citizens, was the man whose mem- 
ory we have assembled to honour. It has been your 
peculiar felicity often to have seen him oft the foot* 
ing of social intimacy. That the inhabitants of Alex- 
andria held a distinguished place in his affection, you 
i have had repeated testimony. You have seen his 
sensibility awakened, on occasions calculated to call 
I forth a display of his partiality. The last time we 
met to offer our salutations, and express our inviola- 
ble attachment to the venerable sage, on his retiring 
from the chief magistracy of the Union, you may re- 
member that in telling you how peculiarly grateful 
were your expressions, the visible emotions of his 
great soul, had xilmost deprived him of the pow r er of 
utterance. 


104 LIFE OF ’WASHINGTON*. 

But heaven has reclaimed its treasure, and America 
has lost its first of patriots and best of men — its shield 
in war ; in peace its brightest ornament, the aven 
ger of its wrongs, the oracle of its wisdom and the 
mirror of its perfections. His fair fame, secure in 
its immortality, shall shine through countless ages 
with undiminished lustre. It shall be the states- 
man’s polar star, the hero’s destiny, the boast of age ; 
the companion of maturity 'and the goal of youth. It 
shall be the last national office of hoary dotage to 
teach the infant that hangs on his trembling knee, to 
lisn the name of Washington. 


JZxtract from a poem , sacred to the memory of General 
Gkohgl Washington. By Richard Alsop. 

Exalted chief — in thy superior mind 
What vast resource, what various talents join’d ! 
Temper’d with social virtue’s milder rays. 

There patriot worth diffus’d a purer blaze : 

Form’d to command respect, esteem inspire. 

Midst statesmen grave, or midst the social choir. 
With equal* skill the sword or pen to wield. 

In council great, unequall’d in the field, 

Mid glittering courts or rural walks to please* 

Polite with grandeur, dignified with ease; 

Before the splendors of thy high renown 
How fade-the glow-worm lustres of a crown ; 
VIowVmk diminish’d in that radiance lost 
The glare of conquest, and of power the boast. 

Let Greece her Alexander’s deeds proclaim, 

Or Caesar’s triumphs gild the Roman name. 

Stripp’d of the dazzling glare around them cast, 
Shrinks at their crimes humanity aghast. 

With equal claim to honor’s glorious meed 
See Auila his course of havoc lead ! 

O’e? Asia’s realms, in one vast ruin hurl’d, 
See'furious Zingis* bloody Hag unfurl’d. . 


MFE OF WASHINGTON. 105 

On base far different from the conqueror’s claim 
Rests the unsullied column of thy fame ; 

His on the woes of millions proudly bas’d, 

With blood cemented and with tears defac’d ; 

Thine on a nation’s welfare fix’d sublime, 

By freedom strengthen’d and rever’d by time. 

He, as the comet, whose portentous light 
Spreads baleful splendor o’er the glooms of night. 
With chill amazement fills the startled breast. 

While storms and earthquakes dire its course attest 
And nature trembles, lest, in chaos hurl’d. 

Should sink the tott’ring fabric of the world. 

Thou, like the sun, whose kind propitious ray 
Opes the glad morn and lights the field of day. 
Dispels the wintry storm, the chilling rain, 

With rich abundance clothes the smiling plain, 

Oives all creation to rejoice around, 

And life and light extends o’er nature’s utmost 
bound. 

Though shone thy life a model bright of praise, 

| Not less the example bright thy death portravs. 
i When, plung’d in deepest woe, around thy bed. 

Each eye was fix’d, despairing sunk each head. 

While nature struggled with severest pain. 

And scarce could life’s last lingering powers retain ; 
In that dread moment, awfully serene, 

No trace of suffering mark’d thy placid mein, 

No groan, no murmuring plaint escap’d thy tongue, 
No low’ring shadows on thy brow were hung; 

But calm in Christian hope, undamp’d with fear. 

Thou saw’st the high reward of virtue near, 

On that bright meed in surest trust repos’d 
As thy firm hand thine eyes expiring clos’d. 

Pleas'd, to the will of heaven resign’d thy breath, 

And smil’d as nature’s struggles clos’d in death, ' 

Ill-fated country— lo, of aid bereft, 

Thy spear is broken and thy buckler cleft ! 

What arm shall now a firm support bestow. 


lofi LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 

And shield thee harmless from the threat’ning foe ; 
Who, mid the storm, with fearless hand shail guide 
Thy course in safety o’er the troubled tide ? 

See faction lift on high his hateful head, 

O’er Ills dark brow unwonted smiles are spread. 

His lurid eve malignant triumph glares. 

And joy infernal every feature wears ! 

For now no more that piercing eye he fears, 

No more that voice, with terror thrill’d, he hears ; 
That eve, from whose bright beam he sunk dismay 
And veil’d his treasons in the midnight shade ; 

That fateful voice which levell’d in the dust 
His plots nefareous, and his high-rais’d trust; 

For, lo, in slumbers of the grave repos’d. 

Hush’d is that voice, that eye in darkness clos’d ! 

Ye youth, Columbia’s pride, to whom has heaven 
’ In sacred trust her future welfare given ; 

On whom devolves the high, the important charge ; 
Her rights to guard, her happiness enlarge ; 

Fix’d to whose course immutably remains 
Her bliss or woe, her liberty or chains ! 

O let your patriot father’s precepts rest 
Deep in your hearts indelibly imprest ! 

Let his example bright your souls inspire, 

To virtue kindle and to glory fire ; 

Teach you the yells of faction to despise. 

Unmask his arts and strip his thin disguise ; 

To spurn, with generous pride and mark’d disgrace. 
The attempts insidious of a foreign race, 

To spread their baleful influence o’er your land 
Direct its councils and its strength command. 

What means soe’er their end to gain they try. 

Or force employ, or artifice applv, 

1* with the tiger’s glare they mark the prey, 

Or crafty serpent’s subtleties display. 

Nor e’er seduc’d let discord’s fiends abhorrM 
Tempt you to draw the parricidal sword, 

Your country’s breast to wound with mortal blow, 
And lay the bulwark of her safety low ; 


LIFE OF WASHINGTON, 107 

But, friends to order, firm, in union’d band, 

Around jour government collected stand. 

That ediffice on equal freedom rear’d, 

By reason sanction’d, and by truth rever’d 
Let dire disunioi%fparty rage expire, 

And one great object all your bosoms fire, 

Bid local hate and jealousy subside. 

The offspring mean of ignorance and pride ; 

And teach the world Columbia’s soqs alone 
One glorious object of contention own. 

By virtuous acts, disinterested zeal, 

And fond devotion to their country’s weal, 

With unremitting ardour to pursue 

The path that Washington has op’d to view 


Tribute, by Mr. Paine, of Massachusetts 

Oh Washington ! thou hero, patriot, sage ! 

Friend of all climes, and pride of every age ! 

Were thine the laurels, every soil could raise. 

The mighty harvest were penurious praise. 

Well may our realms, thy fabian wisdom boast? 

Thy prudence sav’d, what bravery had lost. 

Yet e’er hadst thou, by heaven’s severer fates, 

Like Sparta’s hero at the Grecian straits. 

Been doom’d to meet in arms, a world of foes. 

Whom skill could not defeat, nor walls oppose. 
Then had thy breast, by danger ne’er subdued. 

The mighty buckler of thy country stood ; 

Proud of its wounds, each piercing spear would 
bless, 

Which left Columbia’s foe one javelin less ; 

Nor felt one pang — but, in the glorious deed. 

Thy little band of heroes too, must bleed ; 

Nor throbb’d one fear — but, that some poison’d dart 
Thy breast might pass, and reach thy CountrvV 
heart ? 


108 LIFE OF WASHINGTON 


C From a London JVen-s Paper. J 


Great, without pomp, without ambition brave* 
Froud, not to conquer iellow-roen, but save ; 

Friend to the weak, a foe to none but those 

Who plan their greatness on their brethren’s woes ; 

Aw’d by no titles — undefil’d by lust — 

Free without faction, obstinately just; 

Too wise to learn from Machiavel’s school. 

That truth and perfidy by turns should rule ; 

Warm’d by religion’s sacred, genuine ray. 

That points to future bliss th* unerring way; 

Yet ne’er control’u by superstition’s laws, 

T hat worst of tyrants in the noblest cause. 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 


